Hwa String Quartet

Experience inspiring performances by top emerging artists in our historic venue, renowned for its superb acoustics. Our recitals are programmed in collaboration with leading music colleges and charities, providing a platform for the stars of tomorrow. Discover exceptional talent in a unique settting.

Free admission | Donations welcome

Whether £5 or any amount you’re able to give. Donations can be made in cash in the basket on your way out, or by tap donation at the machines at our exits. Your generosity helps support our cultural events and charitable services. Thank you.

Programme

Rebecca Clarke: Poem for String Quartet
Caroline Shaw: Punctum
Rune Tonsgaard Sørensen: Shine You No More
Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel: String Quartet in E-flat Major
Movements I, III & IV
Jin Cho: Yearning You Ye

This programme centres on the work of female composers, celebrating their voices across different eras and musical languages — from early twentieth-century lyricism to the sound world of today. At the heart of the programme sits a folk-inspired piece, offering a moment of lightness and contrast. Its playful, earthy character brings a change of texture, opening up the sound palette before the music returns to more introspective and expressive writing.

Artist Bio

Born from the friendship of four musicians from Singapore, Korea, China and Taiwan, the Hwa String Quartet celebrates the harmony of diversity through music. The word “Hwa” (花) means “flower” across many Asian cultures – a symbol of beauty, growth, and connection. Just as flowers transcend borders, we aspire for our music to bring beauty, unity, and understanding to all who listen.

Our repertoire spans classical masterpieces, contemporary works, and popular arrangements, reflecting our belief that music, like a garden, flourishes in variety. Each performance is a homage to artistry, friendship, and diversity – values at the heart of what Hwa stands for. The members of Hwa are graduates of world-leading music institutions including the Royal College of Music, the Royal Academy of Music, and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and are fellows in programs such as Sinfonia Smith Square (formerly Southbank Sinfonia).

Our members have performed in prestigious venues across 15 countries, including Royal Festival Hall (UK), London Coliseum (UK), Wigmore Hall (UK), Konserthuset Stockholm (Sweden), Shanghai Oriental Art Center (China), Auckland Town Hall (NZ), Esplanade Concert Hall (SG), and Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall (JP).

Presented in association with teh Royal College of Music

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher St James's Church, Piccadilly