PROGRAMME
Founded in 1997 at the Escuela Reina Sofía in Madrid, Cuarteto Casals stands among the most distinguished Spanish string quartets of our time. In October 2026, the Quartet will make its Hong Kong debut while celebrating its 30th anniversary. This landmark appearance revisits the repertoire that launched its extraordinary career, including Haydn's Op. 20/5 and Schubert's Death and the Maiden.
These seminal works from the quartet's inaugural season reveal the depth, intensity, and refinement that have defined Cuarteto Casals for three decades, offering Hong Kong audiences a rare encounter with an ensemble of exceptional artistic stature.
At the University of Hong Kong, Cuarteto Casals will also present the Asia Premiere of Fiery Earth by Spanish-American composer Elisenda Fábregas. Co-commissioned by the Quartet and the Palau de la Música Catalana, the work blends Spanish musical echoes with a vivid contemporary voice. Inspired by the earth as a living, ever-renewing force, this electrifying piece highlights the ensemble's commitment to tradition alongside its fearless advocacy for new music.
18:00-18:45 Conversation with Cuarteto Casals (classroom location tbc)
20:00-21:30 Evening Concert in the Grand Hall (with concert programme below)
JOSEPHE HAYDN String Quartet in F minor, Op. 20, No. 5, Hob III: 35
ELISENDA FÁBREGAS String Quartet 'Fiery Earth' (Asia Premiere)
FRANZ SCHUBERT String Quartet No. 14 in D minor, D. 810, 'Death and the Maiden'
ABOUT THE QUARTET
Cuarteto Casals is among the world's most celebrated string quartets, acclaimed for its artistic depth, technical brilliance, and adventurous spirit. The ensemble has appeared in the world's leading concert halls and has premiered works by many of today's foremost Spanish composers, including Francisco Coll, Matan Porat, Benet Casablancas, Lucio Amanti, Dahoud Salim, and Aureliano Cattaneo.
In recognition of its cultural impact in Catalunya and across Spain, the Quartet has been named a cultural ambassador by the Generalitat of Catalunya and the Institut Ramon Llull, and has received the Medal of Honor from Queen Sofía of Spain. They have accompanied the King of Spain on diplomatic occasions and regularly perform on the historic Stradivarius instruments of the Royal Palace in Madrid. Its major honors include the Premio Nacional de Música, the Premi Nacional de Cultura de Catalunya, and the Premi Ciutat de Barcelona.
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Casals Poster final.pdf
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