Solem Lates: from lockdown

Hello all,

In the last few weeks, we have found some way back to normality, enjoying getting back to rehearsing and recording, albeit within the confines of social distancing. It’s been a new experience – we would normally sit close enough to communicate via the smallest gestures – but despite the new distance, hearing our instruments resonate together again is a total joy. We feel very fortunate to be healthy enough to meet, to live close enough to each other to rehearse without travelling on public transport, and benefit from a large rehearsal room to accommodate a string quartet at full stretch.

Last week we recorded a 30 minute concert of short pieces we love, from Renaissance composers to the present day, in the beautiful surroundings of  St Giles Church, Camberwell; the video of the concert will go live at 1pm on Thursday 16th, and will be available for one week only.

We would love it if you are able to join us in watching the concert via this facebook event page from Thursday 16th July at 1pm – please do let us know you’re watching by liking, sharing and commenting! We would love the event to feel as much like a real concert as possible, so if you can, please do join us.  (If you don’t have Facebook, you can still watch via this link).

The video will also premiere on our youtube channel and on our website here.

Of course, what we really miss is performing. Without audiences, live music is just not the same; we were very glad last week to hear of the government’s rescue package for arts venues around the UK and can’t wait to get back to giving – and watching – live concerts. But, of course there are still many challenges ahead for artists and the industry as a whole.

On a positive note, we’ve been loving having the time to create some of our own arrangements during lockdown. If Thursday lunchtime’s just too far away,  you can watch us playing socially distantly below in Amy’s arrangement of ‘Hymn to the Sun’ by Rimsky-Korsakov/Kreisler (recorded for the Royal Overseas League’s At Home series). We’re sitting 2 metres apart for this video, and got the news that the rule had changed to 1m just before the final take!

As ever, we’re enormously grateful for any support you’re able to give towards our endeavours; if you would consider making a donation to the quartet, you can do so at solemquartet.co.uk/support

Thanks for reading and look forward to hopefully seeing you on Thursday!

Stay safe!

Love the Solems xx