The upcoming concert at La Jolla Athenaeum is set to be a unique musical experience, featuring the works of Beethoven and Haydn alongside the soulful tunes of Scottish folk music, all courtesy of the Maxwell String Quartet.
It might sound like an unexpected combination for a chamber music group, but for the Maxwell String Quartet, blending classical masterpieces with the rich heritage of Scottish folk music is all in a day's work. Returning for their fourth performance at La Jolla's Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, the quartet is known for embracing such musical juxtapositions.
Their albums, released in 2021 and 2019, are a testament to this fusion, showcasing classical compositions and arrangements of traditional Scottish folk songs. The upcoming concert on Thursday will follow suit, shining a spotlight on Scottish work songs. In keeping with the theme, the quartet members plan to don tweed suits.
"Some of the music we’re playing is based on the Scottish wool mills near River Tweed," explains violist Elliott Perks. "Tweed’s very famous, but maybe not in Southern California, where you wouldn’t necessarily need that much tweed. But that’s what we wear nowadays."
Describing their approach to arranging folk songs, cellist Duncan Strachan shares, "We start with a melody from a Scottish traditional folk tune and re-conceptualize it for a string quartet, so it becomes more polyphonic. We’re keen not to take away the natural flow and beauty of that music."
The Maxwell String Quartet, hailing from Glasgow, boasts a unique lineup, with Englishman Elliott Perks as the sole representative from south of the border. Having performed in 30 states since their inaugural kilt-clad tour in 2019, the quartet has left an indelible mark on the U.S. music scene.
The quartet's formation at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland by violinists Duncan Strachan and George Smith paved the way for their distinctive sound. Edinburgh-born violinist Colin Scobie, who met Perks during their teenage years at various music camps, and subsequently studied together at London’s Royal College of Music, completed the ensemble.
Perks reflects on his entry into the quartet in 2014, saying, "It was sort of a 'try before you buy.' We were a little bit anxious because they were based up in Scotland and I’m in London. And I hadn’t met the other two before. So, it was a bit of a jump into the unknown, but it’s been worth it."
As the Maxwell String Quartet continues to push musical boundaries, their La Jolla Athenaeum concert promises to be a delightful blend of classical and folk, creating an unforgettable auditory experience for all in attendance.
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