Beare's Chamber Music

The idea of Beare’s Chamber Music came from a conversation between violist and director of Arpeggione viola courses Jacky Woods and managing director of J & A Beare, Steven Smith.

Friends since conservatoire days, both share a passion for chamber music and, in particular, string quartets. Jacky was looking for new premises to extend Parkview Chamber – a successful chamber music venture that she established over 15 years ago.

With Steven’s passion for music education, he immediately offered the use of J & A Beare’s renowned premises in Marylebone, London on Sundays, noting that he would “be delighted if the building was full of music“.

The use of Beare’s showroom, combined with the firm’s financial assistance to provide student scholarships for those who would otherwise struggle with the fees, has helped this project grow and develop.

So, from September 2021, the showrooms of 30 Queen Anne Street, normally dedicated to clients trying instruments, have been filled with the sound of young students rehearsing chamber music.

Each term the students will study and perform a complete string quartet, coached by a team of professional quartet players. They have just finished rehearsals for Schubert’s Death and the Maiden, Mendelssohn Op 44 No 1, Smetana From my Life and Beethoven Op 131. The most recent performance took place at All Saints Church, East Finchley, North London and was a huge success.

For the students, who all share a common enthusiasm for chamber music, being in the heart of London has made this project far more accessible. and they have loved using a rehearsal space which is full of exceptional instruments, fond memories and photographs of inspirational string players who have passed through J & A Beare’s doors since 1892.

There are new students waiting to join the project and we hope very much to be able to welcome them after Christmas for another exciting term of inspiring works.

This is an amazing opportunity for these talented young musicians, and J & A Beare are thrilled to be able to support it.

If you wish to support Arpeggione and the work they do, please visit their support us page.

Saya – “I am so grateful to be able to play in such an inspiring building. From the pictures on the wall, to the architecture, it is a beautiful space to create music.”

Patrick – “I have really enjoyed the opportunity to play such incredible repertoire with great players and top-level tutors.”

Anneka – “The Beare’s Chamber Music project is a wonderful and unique opportunity to explore chamber music works in their entirety, coached by a fantastic group of tutors.”

Beare’s Chamber Music

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J & A Beare - Christmas