Frith Piano Quartet

BENJAMIN FRITH, piano - ROBERT HEARD, violin
LOUISE WILLIAMS, viola - RICHARD JENKINSON, 'cello

The Frith Piano Quartet was formed in 2000 by the pianist Benjamin Frith, violinist Robert Heard, violist Louise Williams and 'cellist Richard Jenkinson. Since its formation the group have performed the complete piano quartets of Brahms, Dvorák, Fauré and Mozart but also take a keen interest in performing gems that are not so often heard in the concert hall by the likes of Frank Bridge, Arthur Bliss and Richard Strauss. Recent concerts have been at both the Buxton and the Paxton Festivals. Future engagements include King’s Place and Wigmore Hall.

Benjamin Frith- Piano
Benjamin Frith was born in South Yorkshire in 1957 and from the age of ten studied with Fanny Waterman. His international career expanded after the award of a Gold Medal at the 1989 Arthur Rubinstein piano Masters Competition in Israel.

Robert Heard- Violin
Robert’s first orchestral job was with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. In 1990 he was invited to join the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra by Sir Simon Rattle as Associate Leader. Since then he has become a free lance musician

Louise Williams –viola
Louise Williams began her career as a violinist and a founder member of the Endellion Quartet but was diverted to the viola in order to join the Chilingirian Quartet. She plays on a fine viola by the brothers Amati in 1616.

Richard Jenkinson –'cello
Richard Jenkinson started to play the 'cello at the age of five and after winning a Scholarship studied with Florence Hooton until her sudden death in 1988. Whilst at the Guildhall he won all the 'cello and chamber music prizes. In 1998, he was appointed principal cello with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. He plays a 'cello by G.B.Grancino of Milan of circa 1662.