News
The Strad review: String trios
October 09, 2018
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Astringent, lyrical 20th-century English music well worth discovering.
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Sunday Times review: String trios
September 30, 2018
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A vivid production with works of notable vigour and sinewy craftsmanship.
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New recording released: Harp and guitar chamber music
September 05, 2018
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Announcing the release of a new recording of harp and guitar chamber music performed by the eminent UK ensemble Karolos.
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British Music Society review: String trios
September 02, 2018
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Dodgson's later work is long-breathed and convincingly explores material, ending in a poignant and moving epilogue. The earlier work is strikingly avuncular and athletic, with an expressive near-ten-minute hymnal slow movement that includes repeated syncopations. This, and the nonchalant, almost whimsical end of the work makes it a most listenable piece. Dodgson’s control of structural integrity in the Partita for solo cello is powerful and impressive.
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British Music Society review: Music for oboe
September 02, 2018
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The vocal parts are on the atonal scale but accomplished brilliantly by Robyn Allegra Parton. The oboe and piano accompaniments, more atmospheric than atonal in their impact, add a marvellous patina of colour to the pictures painted by the words. The effect in voice and instruments is magical. The Sonata for Oboe and Piano brings invigorating freshness. With fine performances by James Turnbull and Libby Burgess.
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Lucy Melvin’s reflections on Idyll
September 01, 2018
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It was a joy to get to know Stephen's piece Idyll, during the recent Chamber Players week. The music was delicate, with a continuous gentle pulse like a heartbeat throughout... The solo violin line soared above, with some gorgeous dissonances in the inner parts... The piece was beautiful, and just perfect for the pupils on the course.
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Classical Source review: String trios recording
August 23, 2018
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These pieces are recorded for the first time, surprisingly, for they are notably rewarding. It’s a handsome collection, very well captured, vivid and immediate, tonally faithful. Very well-played as the group Karolos, Harriet Mackenzie, Sarah-Jane Bradley and Graham Walker also shine individually.
Continue Reading →David’s Review Corner: String trios
July 30, 2018
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The Second Trio immediately grabs your attention with its innovative textures, the whole work worthy of a place among the finest English chamber music scores... Sarah-Jane Bradley’s viola in Caprice after Puck makes for a gorgeous track... Superb sound quality.
Continue Reading →Guardian review: String trios recording
July 26, 2018
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Dodgson's chamber music is often astringent but always interesting. He echoed the baroque in his use of ornamentation, variation and intricate displays of virtuosity... expressively played here by Harriet Mackenzie... its exuberance brilliantly handled by Graham Walker. Sarah-Jane Bradley also impresses... – a virtuosic recital.
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Latest news
Upcoming events
Jul
25
Sat
2020
7:30 pm CANCELLED Septet Variations – Ka... @ Church Stretton Arts Festival, Shropshire
CANCELLED Septet Variations – Ka... @ Church Stretton Arts Festival, Shropshire 
Jul 25 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Karolos open the Church Stretton Arts Festival with a performance of Stephen Dodgson’s Septet Variations alongside Ravel’s Introduction & Allegro and Mozart’s Clarinet Quintet. Karolos brings together internationally-acclaimed soloists in a unique chamber music group. The ensemble is committed to seeking out new repertoire, as well as performing works from the canon. The group has embarked upon a series of performances and recordings of Stephen Dodgson’s chamber music which have received rave reviews including 5 stars and Editor’s Choice in Classical Source. Programme Dodgson – Septet Variations Ravel – Introduction & Allegro Mozart – Clarinet Quintet Performers Harriet McKenzie (violin) Eulalie Charland (violin) Sarah-Jane Bradley (viola) Graham Walker[...]
Jan
23
Sat
2021
7:30 pm Piano Quintet – Emma Abbate & th... @ Sevenoaks Music Club
Piano Quintet – Emma Abbate & th... @ Sevenoaks Music Club 
Jan 23 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Pianist Emma Abbate and the Tippett Quartet pair Stephen Dodgson’s Piano Quintet No. 1 with Schumann’s piano quintet in an evening concert for the Sevenoaks Music Club. Programme Mendelssohn: String quartet in E flat op. 12 Dodgson: Quintet no. 1 in C Schumann: Quintet in E flat op. 44
Feb
27
Sat
2021
7:30 pm Piano Quintet No. 1 – Emma Abbat... @ Whitstable Music Society
Piano Quintet No. 1 – Emma Abbat... @ Whitstable Music Society
Feb 27 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Pianist Emma Abbate and the Tippett Quartet pair Stephen Dodgson’s Piano Quintet No. 1 with Schumann’s piano quintet in an evening concert for the Whitstable Music Society. Programme Mendelssohn: String quartet in E flat op. 12 Dodgson: Quintet no. 1 in C Schumann: Quintet in E flat op. 44
Mar
20
Sat
2021
8:00 pm Piano Quintet No. 2 – Emma Abbat... @ Holmes Chapel Music Society, Cheshire
Piano Quintet No. 2 – Emma Abbat... @ Holmes Chapel Music Society, Cheshire 
Mar 20 @ 8:00 pm – 9:45 pm
Pianist Emma Abbate and the Tippett Quartet reunite to perform a concert of quartets and quintets including Stephen Dodgson’s Piano Quintet No. 2 for the Holmes Chapel Music Society. This is a special occasion as this work was originally commissioned by the society. The Tippett Quartet and Abbate went on to record it together in 2017 and now they are bringing it back to its birthplace. Programme Haydn String quartet in B minor op. 33 no. 1 Dodgson Piano Quintet No. 2 (HCMS commission) Puccini Crisantemi Schumann Piano quintet
Mar
24
Wed
2021
7:30 pm Piano Quintet No. 2 – Emma Abbat... @ Barber Institute, Birmingham
Piano Quintet No. 2 – Emma Abbat... @ Barber Institute, Birmingham
Mar 24 @ 7:30 pm – 9:15 pm
Pianist Emma Abbate and the Tippett Quartet reunite to perform a concert of quartets and quintets including Stephen Dodgson’s Piano Quintet No. 2 at the Barber Institute of Fine Arts. Programme Haydn String quartet in B minor op. 33 no. 1 Dodgson Piano Quintet No. 2 (HCMS commission) Puccini Crisantemi Schumann Piano quintet
