Debussy & Dvorak: String Quartets features recordings by the Carlton String Quartet on HD Remastered.

The Carlton String Quartet was formed at the RCM where all 4 members (Robert Bilson, Gonzalo Acosta, James Brown and Michael Kevin Jones) were full time students. During their brief but promising 4 years of existence the Carlton String Quartet was coached by Raymond Keenlyside and the Vermeer and LaSalle Quartets. They were advised to stay together due to their great promise and distinctive personal sound, already formed after years of rehearsals as keen young students.

The quartet won major chamber music prizes at the RCM and played for the Royal family and at many public and private events in London, including at the Ritz. All members went on to pursue careers in different areas of the music profession.

This Live Recording of a Concert at St Mary’s Church in Carlton (home of the first violinist Robert Bilson) is a fine testament to what was and what could have been. Robert’s father was a driving inspiration behind ‘the lads’ and actively sponsored and recorded the concerts during the summer holidays, such as this one from July 1982.

Carlton String Quartet
Robert Bilson, Violin
Gonzalo Acosta, Violin
James Brown, Viola
Michael Kevin Jones, Violoncello