The root of performing music and three Strads.

“Congratulations,” said James to me, after the recital. “Congratulations on what you do, on what you have created. It is really special, because this is ultimately the root of what we musicians are doing, but there aren’t many places that provide it.” James gorgeously summarized Breinton’s existence in a short sentence. It was the most joyful moment for me – to receive a comment like this from James Ehnes, the violinist on top of his game, who travels all around the globe performing on all of the most prestigious stages. Breinton achieves a magically intimate set-up where the musicians perform to a small-sized but enthusiastic crowd and connect with them.  Using Antoine’s words, “Your audience became part of us”. We feel proud of what we have built up in our community with huge support from our dedicated audience members.

There is a first time for everything, but this evening we experienced two ‘firsts’. One, we had never invited a string trio (violin, viola and cello) – this marvelous yet somewhat rare combination of instrumentation. Second, three Stradivari in one concert! What is the chance of experiencing three precious instruments in someone’s living room turned into a concert room? And the experience was intense and deeply engaging. I won’t be exaggerating saying that it was one-in-a-lifetime opportunity. (By the way, Antoine’s viola was made in the 1680’s, a good 100 years older than Mozart’s Divertimento.)

We were immediately struck with gorgeousness of the striking opening of Dohnanyi’s Seranade – the energetic harmony immediately resonated with our senses, and it was as if we were swept off our feet. Vivid and visual, simple but sophisticated, every movement created a different ambience. As James, Antoine and Andreas wove their lines in and out, one could not stop being amazed by the beautiful creation of the sounds – one moment crisp and transparent, the next moment soft and gentle as if touching a silk scarf.

The Divertimento was simply the biggest joy; sunny, warm, charming and witty. How nice it would be if our life flowed like that! Our programme note suggests that "the three instruments – violin, viola and cello – exchange ideas in perfect balance, each taking its turn to shine", and "the six movements where every second rises to the highest levels of textural gorgeousness and supreme melodic inspiration". It was exactly that. There was not a single second out of place. We thoroughly appreciated the incredible tone and texture, and the impeccable ensemble fulfilled by the musicians (which sometimes must be difficult when the musicians are individually such established soloists!).

This evening’s repertoire together with the three superb musicians and their instruments gave us an unpreceded level of happiness, which won’t be easily surpassed. And they completely turned our old-fashioned notion that "the viola is a boring instrument" upside down!