Brodsky Quartet, Bury Festival, The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, Wednesday, May 25, 7.30pm

Majestic strings filled the air at The Apex as the exquisite Brodsky Quartet gave a masterclass in music.

Renowned as one of the best quartets in the World, the ensemble performed a varied programme as they visited the Bury St Edmunds Festival on Wednesday.

The vivacity of the players and their obvious passion showed through as they swept the audience along with their heartfelt performance.

Drawing influences from across the globe, the quartet began their programme with a lively rendition of Javier Alarez’s Metro Chabacano followed by George Gershwin’s sentimental Lullaby.

The heartbreaking melodies and thundering phrasing showed off the Apex’s impressive acoustics to great affect.

As well as showing their mastery of classical pieces, the quartet, which has performed with artists such as Bjork, Elvis Costello and Sting, also performed a demanding and highly atmospheric piece by Mexican composer Mario Lavista, evoking memories of sultry evenings in tropical climes.

The outstanding evening was completed with a playful performance of Ravel’s String Quartet in F.

To watch this highly accomplished group perform in such a impressive venue speaks highly for the Apex and the festival itself.

Jo Thewlis