The members of the highly acclaimed Badke String Quartet “are very much looking forward to our time in Key West. Especially as it’s so cold and wet here in the UK right now!” The Quartet – Charlotte Scott, violin; Emma Parker, violin; Jon Thorne, viola; Nathaniel Boyd, cello – will perform in concert at St. Paul’s Church on Sunday, 28 February, 4:00pm presented by Impromptu Classical Concerts 2016 Season.

Jon Thorne explains the origin of the ensemble’s name. “There is a tradition that the quartet takes the family name of the 1st violinist. Our original 1st violin’s family name was Badke. When she got married all her names changed to her new husband’s name, and so when she left she was very happy for us to keep the name.”

Mr. Thorne offers his insights on the upcoming program. “The Haydn – Quartet, Op76 No 5 – is one of our favorites. The slow movement is extraordinary and in the extraordinary key of F# major. Just beautiful. The finale is full of fun. Haydn at his very best.” Quartet No 1 “Winters Edge” by contemporary composer Ian Wilson “is a an atmospheric piece full of colors and beautiful melodies.” Mr. Thorne concludes: “The final selection, Franz Schubert’s long-lost Quartet in A D804 “Rosemunde” is exquisite. To think a man that ill, so much in despair and so close to the end of his life could write something so charming, moving and beautiful is beyond comprehension.”

The well-traveled Badke String Quartet “have been fortunate to perform all over the world” including, amongst others, The Musikverien (Austria), The Concertgebouw (Netherlands), Wigmore Hall (UK), Mecklenburg Festival Germany), Malmo Festival (Sweden), Santander Festival (Spain) as well as Montreux Festival (Switzerland). “Montreux was amazing as the venue was an old Schloss on the shore of the lake, so much so that the hall was in the lake and the lapping of the waves against made for some very atmospheric Beethoven.” And now Key West and Impromptu Classical Concerts will welcome the ensemble to Key West. Paradise Awaits!

Concert tickets are $20 at the door one hour before the performance or online: Keystix.com or classicalconcertskw.com. Any questions please call 305.745.2283, Season subscription pass (6 concerts) – $100. Subscription passes can be used for all concerts or for multiple guests at one or more concerts. All students free.