The Diotima Quartet in Lisbon

Unforgettable night at the Gulbenkian with the incredible Quarteto Diotima! Yesterday’s program was a masterclass in chamber music, bridging contemporary depth and classical brilliance with Betsy Jolas (String Quartet No. 8, Topeng), Béla Bartók (String Quartet No. 4), Maurice Ravel (String Quartet in F major), and György Kurtág (Six Moments musicaux).Betsy Jolas’ String Quartet No. 8 "Topeng" blends theatrical energy with modern string textures inspired by Balinese mask theater. 

Béla Bartók’s String Quartet No. 4 showcases rhythmic intensity, folk elements, and groundbreaking percussive technique. Maurice Ravel’s String Quartet in F major delivers lyrical warmth, refined French Impressionism, and rich harmonic color. György Kurtág’s Six Moments musicaux features brief, intensely expressive fragments full of poetic concentration. The audience reacted enthusiastically, giving a non-stop standing ovation both before the interval and at the end of the concert.

Source: https://gulbenkian.pt/musica/agenda/quarteto-diotima/