The Brodsky Quartet is named after the great Russian violinist Adolf Brodsky, dedicatee of Tchaikovsky's violin concerto and a passionate chamber musician. Since its formation in 1972, the Brodsky Quartet has performed over 3000 concerts on the major stages of the world and has released more than 60 recordings. 

Shostakovich’s string quartets have long been a cornerstone of the Brodsky Quartet’s repertoire, but they do branch out and, whilst having an impeccable catalogue of classical music releases they have also recorded with Elvis Costello, Sting, Barbara Bonney, Robert Wyatt, Bjork and LouReed to name but a few.

Now on the With Love and Fury album they have collaborated with Australian iconic Singer Katie Noonan on a newly commissioned song cycle featuring the poetry of Australian Judith Wright in settings by ten eminent Australian composers, including Katie Noonan. Plus songs and arrangements played by the Brodsky Quartet and Katie from a wide range of songsmiths including Elvis Costello, Bjork, Schubert and Britten.

Brisbane was the world premiere of this magnificent album and QPAC was only a handful of seats from being a sold out show. Katie was brimming with confidence and in fine voice, singing clearly and hitting all the notes she reached for with consummate ease. Katie was radiant and clearly overjoyed to be singing with the Brodsky Quartet in front of her home city for the premiere of the album. The tremendous genuine respect that Katie showed BQ and that they Reflected back to her was heart-warming. No egos, just mutual admiration. 

The audience was almost 50/50 – Katie devotees and BQ aficionados. They played 2 one hour sets with a break of 20- 30 minutes. The 2 sets differed markedly and showcased the brilliant talents of this wondrous quintet. The sound was perfect as BQ (playing instruments collectively worth in the millions) rose to amazing heights with Katie weaving her trilling, mesmerising voice like silken threads through the gossamer wings of faeries and angels. And almost as mystically as the performance started – like ethereal mist it floated off to the heavens as Katie and her new friends took their leave. Spellbinding ☺.

I am not sure who approached who to start this dreamscape but am absolutely certain that these 5 magicians will be touring and recording together until kingdom come. Katie Noonan –  Now the world will hear you and love you – amen. 

- Donald Gunn