Patron of The Rudolf Kempe Society

I am very flattered and delighted to be Patron of the Rudolf Kempe Society as successor to the late Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau. I admire Cordula Kempe so much and think the work that she does is tremendous.

Do come to her wonderful programmes of word and music, Songs of Apollo - in which I have taken part myself and thoroughly enjoyed! And don’t miss the concerts given by the extremely talented musicians of the Rudolf Kempe International Young Artists Platform!

Also given at the uniquely congenial atmosphere of the KEMPE STUDIO at THE MUSES in Stratford, the Society's new series of creative and inspiring Public Master Classes awaits you, with an international line-up of great artists of today teaching the great artists of tomorrow!

Dame Judi Dench, Patron of The Rudolf Kempe Society
Dame Judy Dench

CORDULA KEMPE violin
BARBARA O'REILLY violin
ROBIN DEL MAR viola
PETER WILSON cello

Named after the leader’s violin - made by Michelangelo Bergonzi of Cremona in 1755 - this highly acclaimed string quartet covers a wide repertoire from the late 17th century to the present and specializes in the exploration of new interpretative approaches through juxtaposition of musical and literary texts.

As members of distinguished UK and continental orchestras, the musicians are also experienced teachers with leading academies; they aim to impart their professional insight to ever growing audiences who are new to the classics.

The Bergonzis are regularly joined by distinguished musicians from all over Europe, as well as gifted young instrumentalists and singers of the Rudolf Kempe Society’s International Young Artists Platform, to perform in virtually all combinations of chamber music.

Their virtuoso instrumental playing, musical sensitivity and spirit of ensemble have been praised by critics and audiences alike.

“World class on our doorstep!”
Birmingham Post

“Spellbinding – revelatory – sheer beauty from beginning to end!”
Stratford Herald