Recreating an Elgar premiere

What is the peculiar magic of string quartets? Ian McEwan posed this question when I interviewed him recently. It came to mind again during an enchanting evening at the Spectator’s Westminster offices last night, as the Bridge Quartet gave a sublime performance of Elgar’s music, including the String Quartet in E minor. The event renewed the historic link between 22 Old Queen Street, once the home of Frank Schuster (1852-1927), and Elgar, the composer whom this great patron of the arts revered more than any other. Listening to the music in the panelled board-room, one was transported back to those evenings that Schuster held in honour of his musical hero, often with a magnificent dinner for the stars of London society. And it was wonderful to welcome readers of the Spectator to our magnificent new home: there are three further concerts on May 17, 24, and 31 (tickets are £65 per person including Pol Roger champagne and canapés: call 0207 961 0044 or email: events@pressholdings.co.uk). I do hope to see you there!