Prague Quartet Returning

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31922, 25 February 1969, Page 12

Prague Quartet Returning

The New Prague Quartet which arrived on Friday to join the University of Canterbury staff for the academic year brings in a new phase in the quartet - in - residence concept. The return of a previously-appointed group seems to indicate that this post possesses an appeal amongst groups in the international circuit. Two of the members were in the Prague Quartet which visited the university in 1966. They are Jaroslav Karlovsky (viola) and Zdenek Konicek (cello). Their new colleagues are Stefan Czapary and Rudolf Kalup.

Stefan Czapary has had many years experience in chamber music. He led his own quartet in the 19505. He was the first leader of the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra under Smetacek. He also led the Czech Chamber

Orchestra and the Prague i String Trio. Rudolf Kalup has lived in Vienna since 1959. He is an : experienced teacher, though much of his time has been taken up by his work as concert master in Viennese orchestras. Both he and Mr Czapary have played in quartets with Messrs Karlovsky and Konicek previously. The reforming and renaming of the “New Prague Quartet” have followed the political upheavals of last August. Since then, the ensemble has toured West Germany, the United States and Britain, receiving highly favourable reviews for its mature and intei grated playing. ■ From the university's point; i of view the giving of concerts ■ is only one aspect of the work I i of a quartet-in-residence. \ Approximately 20 recitals will ■ be offered during the coming season. The first, for the uni-j versity community, will take! place on March 10, and seve-l

ral series open to the public will be held later.

Teaching is an even more fundamental part of the players’ duties. Mr Konicek’s work, during his last visit, is still remembered and valued for the unique contribution to the knowledge of technical skills of both former students and teachers in Christchurch. Enrolment is at present under way, although the preenrolment procedure has accounted for more of the places being filled. A few vacancies for violin students remain unfilled.

The quartet is also requiredto demonstrate for lectures given by academic staff. Orchestration is thus more 'practically taught. Composition becomes a lively practical reality because, on occasions, ‘students are able to hear a ; fully professional performlance of their works or extracts. The players also coach ■ I chamber music groups as part :| of the diploma in music reI quirements in performance.