Matthew McAllister and Feargus Hetherington (violin) have been performing as a duo for several years. The genesis of this new quartet was borne out of a successful collaboration on their 2005 album, Maelasta, which saw Aisling Agnew (flute) and Douglas Whates (bass) join the duo for Piazzolla’s Libertango and Gismonti’s Agua e Vinho. The sound was addictive and the joy of playing together was such that it proved only a matter of time before the new quartet emerged.
The unusual combination of instruments emotes a distinctive sound – one that is more synonymous with traditional Latin American music than Western art music. Whether it’s a simple Cuban habanera or a fiery Argentinian tango, the quartet relish this rich tradition, delivering fascinating arrangements and interesting twists on repertoire both old and new.
Matthew McAllister – classical and 12-string guitars
Aisling Agnew – flute
Feargus Hetherington – violin
Douglas Whates – double bass
The quartet will give their debut concert at Dundee International Guitar Festival 2007. McAllister, Hetherington, Agnew, Whates will open the late night concert series after the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet’s opening night recital.
Programme to include:
Celso Machado (b. 1953–) – Paçoca (Chôro), Quebra Queixo (Chôro)
Egberto Gismonti (b. 1947–) – Agua e Vinho
Luiz Bonfá (1922–2001) – Manha de Carnaval
Villa Lobos (1887–1959) – Suite Populaire Bresilienne
Astor Piazzolla (1921–1992) – Libertango, Oblivion & Verano Porteno
Máximo Diego Pujol (b. 1947–) – Suite Buenos Aires