The String Quartet no. 7 in F sharp minor, opus 108, completed in March 1960, is the shortest of all Shostakovich's quartets lasting only about 13 minutes and was dedicated by Shostakovich “In Memoriam” to his wife Nina.

Beethoven worked for two year to produce his first set of six string quartets – his Opus 18 – in 1801. Although numbered 4, tonight's quartet was the last to be written in the set of six.

Written while the composer was ill, the title of Schubert's quartet comes from an earlier work (D.531) for voice and piano, where death consoles a terrified maiden that “I am not rough, you shall sleep gently in my arms”.

An internationally renowned Anglo-Irish string quartet based in the UK, the versatile and award-winning Carducci String Quartet has performed everything from brand new quartets, classic works by Haydn, complete Shostakovich cycles, and even partnered with folk-rock icon Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull. Founded in 1997, the ensemble has won numerous international competitions, including Concert Artists Guild International Competition USA 2007 and First Prize at Finland’s Kuhmo International Chamber Music Competition 2004.

Why not arrive a bit earlier at the Lion Hotel and enjoy a relaxing pre-concert drink?