A program of French string quartets could easily be bland, or at least predictable. Not so for this fascinating selection assembled by Phoenix Collective Artistic Director Dan Russell. This highly proficient and synchronised foursome led its audience on a giddy tour of styles and traditions.

The performance style of the Phoenix Collective is relaxed but highly energised; confident yet somewhat austere. Dressed in unfussy blacks, with violinists Russell and Pip Thompson and violist Ella Brinch all standing, their bright sound leapt from the small stage of the Mansfield recital room at the Wesley Music Centre: an absolutely perfect acoustic for them.

Phoenix Collective: French Connection. Photo © Dalice Trost

The only very familiar work in the program was Maurice Ravel’s String Quartet No. 1 in F Major, although this was reserved until the end. The two-movement work of Guadeloupe-born champion fencer and bodyguard to King Louis XVI, Joseph Bologne (or more dramatically-titled, the Chevalier de Saint-Georges) opened the concert.  While it is no masterpiece, it is entirely serviceable, with some inventive ornaments in the Allegro moderato, and several attractive melody lines shared across the four instruments throughout the Rondeau.

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