Boconnoc Music Award

As recipients of the 2014 Boconnoc Music Award the we were delighted to spend a week with the Fortescue family at the wonderful Boconnoc Estate in Cornwall. As a quartet we had an amazing experience there and thoroughly enjoyed working and staying in such a stunning location. Set in acres of grounds (including a deer park!) the Boconnoc Estate provided us with a much needed getaway from London and allowed us to focus musically in peaceful surroundings, as well as spend valuable time together.

With three concerts spaced throughout the week there was the perfect balance between time to rehearse and time to relax. Having the ability to concentrate entirely on making music together without the normal distractions of College/London life made for even more enjoyable and productive rehearsals and we were really able to grow as an ensemble. The two venues (the drawing room in the house where we performed on Tuesday and Thursday, and the Church on Friday) were both intimate and beautiful, and were a pleasure to perform in. After the house concerts we were provided with the opportunity to meet the guests over dinner, giving us a chance to get to know them, and to discuss what they liked and enjoyed about the concerts.

Aside from the musical benefits the week also provided many social highlights. The Fortescue family were delightful hosts and it was lovely to spend time with them. The location was breath-taking and it was great to spend time in such a beautiful part of the country. The Quartet would like to express its sincere thanks to the Fortescue Family for providing us with this incredible week, and the Royal College of Music for presenting us with the Boconnoc Music Award.