The Engegård Quartet

Part of the Roman River Festival 2025 - See all concerts here.

Formed under the midnight sun in Lofoten in 2005, The Engegård Quartet has become one of Norway's most esteemed ensembles. Their performances blend bold interpretations of classical repertoire with a deep connection to their Scandinavian heritage. The quartet's debut CD was hailed as 'breathtaking' by The Strad, and their second release won Pizzicato magazine's 'Supersonic Award'. They have graced prestigious venues such as Salzburg's Mozarteum and Prague's Rudolfinum, and have collaborated with renowned artists including pianists Sir András Schiff and Leif Ove Andsnes. 

This special concert opens our 25th Anniversary Festival: not only are we delighted to be holding it in St Andrew's in Fingringhoe, as was the first ever performance that sparked what was to become Roman River Music and, ultimately, Wild Arts, but we are also thrilled that Juliet Jopling, our first Artistic Director, will be performing with the quartet she went on to help found in Norway.

Edvard Grieg’s String Quartet in G minor, Op. 27 (which the quartet has been playing for almost 20 years, and recorded twice on disc) is a passionate and dramatic work composed in 1877–78. Rich with Norwegian folk influences and lyrical intensity, it reflects Grieg’s nationalist spirit. The quartet’s powerful opening motif - derived from his own song “Spillemaend” - recurs throughout the piece,  giving it a cohesive, almost symphonic character. It remains a cornerstone of Scandinavian chamber music, admired for its emotional depth and innovation.

Mozart’s Divertimento in B-flat major, K. 137, composed in 1772 during his time in Salzburg, reflects the elegance and charm of his early style. Written when he was just sixteen, it features three movements filled with lyrical melodies, graceful phrasing, and light textures. Though modest in scope, the piece reveals Mozart’s developing mastery of form, balance, and expressive nuance in chamber music.

From psalms to polkas, Norway's folk music tradition has been part of the quartet's repertoire from the start. By researching, writing, and performing their own arrangements for string quartet, Engegård celebrate their deep connection to their Nordic roots.

PROGRAMME

Edvard Grieg - String Quartet in G minor, Op. 27

Interval

W.A. Mozart - Divertimento in B-flat major, KV 137
Norwegian Folk Melodies

Duration: approx. 1 hour 45 mins (incl. 20-minute interval)

Planning: Doors open from 7.30 for an 8pm start. Please allow ample time for parking.

Arvid Engegård | violin
Laura Custodio Sabas | violin
Juliet Jopling | viola
Jan Clemens Carlsen | cello

Arvid Engegård plays a Jean Baptiste Vuillaume violin (1858) on loan from Dextra Musica. Laura Custodio Sabas plays a Jean Baptiste Vuillaume violin (1857). Juliet Jopling plays a Pietro Giovanni Mantegazza from Milano (1790) on loan from Dextra Musica and Jan Clemens Carlsen plays a Giacomo Zanoli cello (1737) on loan from Dextra Musica.

Tickets £15 – £40 (and £15 for under 30s)

Reduced visibility seats available.

Photo credits: Lars Bryngelsson