The enjoyment of playing chamber music provides an essential awareness and responsibility not inherent in other musical disciplines such as orchestral playing. The progress made in each eight or ten day course is musically and technically remarkable. By concentrating on ensemble work Pro Corda aims to develop the players’ individuality of expression, interpretative imagination, true intonation, care for nuance and a genuine sense of responsibility to the ensemble.

PRO CORDA APPOINTS CHIEF EXECUTIVE Pro Corda has appointed Andrew Quartermain as its new Chief Executive.   Andrew is the first holder of this post, created as a result of the music school’s rapid expansion. A concert pianist and chamber musician, he has been a member of Pro Corda’s coaching staff for 12 years. He was himself a student at Pro Corda, benefiting from the Pro Corda Bursary system.   Commenting on Andrew Quartermain’s appointment, Pro Corda’s Chairman, Keith Daley, said: “The appointment of Andrew as CEO marks an important stage in the development of Pro Corda. I have greatly enjoyed working with him in his role as Director of Outreach over the past few years. He has many exciting new ideas and will make an excellent leader.”   Andrew will be supported by Louise Lansdown, who becomes Director of Chamber Music. Louise is a viola player and senior professor at the Royal Northern College of Music.

A dedicated and inspirational team of coaches drawn from some of Europe’s finest performers and teachers has given Pro Corda an unrivalled reputation for the quality of its coaching and student performance. Visiting artists and ensembles give workshops, masterclasses and performances. Recent visitors have included Sir Colin Davis, the Wihan String Quartet, Midori, the Israel Piano Trio and the Gould Piano Trio.

The home of Pro Corda is the medieval Leiston Abbey near the coast in rural Suffolk. Courses are also held at Wells in Somerset and Baldersby Park near Thirsk in North Yorkshire.