César Franck had not published any major chamber music works for almost 40 years when he wowed Paris audiences with his passionate Piano Quintet in 1880. It proved the beginning of an extremely productive last decade in the composer’s life, which also saw the creation of his famous Violin Sonata and D-minor Symphony. The Belcea Quartet is joined by Bertrand Chamayou for Franck’s late bravura masterpiece. The program opens with Beethoven's equally masterful quartet Op. 59 No. 1.

The Belcea Quartet is grateful to Esther Hoppe for taking over the part of second violin for this concert, replacing Axel Schrader.