Now based in New York City, the Enso regularly performs the classics of the string quartet literature, and also champions lesserknown works, along with much contemporary music, including commissioned works. The ensemble’s name is derived from the Japanese Zen painting of the circle, which represents many things: ‘perfection and imperfection, the moment of chaos that is creation, the emptiness of the void, the endless circle of life, and the fullness of the spirit’.
The Enso presents a program of great variety, opening with Australian composer Brenton Broadstock’s fifth string quartet, specially commissioned for this tour, followed by Beethoven’s ‘Harp’ Quartet, with its first movement’s elegant pizzicato. This is a glorious work, full, rich and befitting the character of the composer’s middle period, known as ‘Eroica’. This is followed by a Renaissance ‘pastiche’ arranged by the Enso’s leader, Maureen Nelson, and finally Maurice Ravel’s ravishing sole quartet, impressionist, modelled on Debussy’s, and similarly treasured for its classicism.
