​We had a terrific concert last night from the New York-based Escher Quartet. There were no signs of jet lag as they dashed away into the contrapuntal richness of Mozart’s String Quartet No. 18. Then, after the briefest of pauses, they were off again, with Mendelssohn’s thrilling Op. 44 No. 2, a work they clearly know well. The ensemble’s rich texture was reminiscent of another great American quartet with a reputation for Mendelssohn, the Emersons.

After the interval came Grieg’s infrequently heard String Quartet. The Eschers gave it their all, and made a strong case for this big, powerful work to join the mainstream. Three curtain calls for the enthusiastic audience, and the musicians were off on the rest of their UK tour. It was an enthralling evening.

Our good friends at Ripon's Cathedral Concert Society have managed to secure the services of the baritone Roderick Williams and the superb pianist Iain Burnside for a performance of Schubert’s song cycle Winterreise in Ripon Cathedral on Monday 12 February - a good time for a 'Winter Journey'. Details are here. 

One of our trustees, Janet Hall, who has been organising coach-and-ticket packages to Leeds, Newcastle and Gateshead for years, is offering just such a package for Winterreise, departing from Richmond. The price will be under £30. You can contact her at janet.hall@finklecroft.me.uk for details.

(This is not a Richmondshire Concerts initiative.)