Raphael (Ray) Terroni, a multi-gifted musician, was many things in a professional life that ended too soon: teacher (privately and at the London College of Music), examiner, festival director, administrator, and crusader for a vast range of music, both the known, for which he never lost his inquisitive enthusiasm, and (particularly) unknown repertoire which he explored discerningly and promoted tirelessly.

This recording, following his pioneering account of Scott’s Sonata No.3, was entirely down to Ray’s vision and efforts. His recorded legacy, which should have been larger, includes Lennox Berkeley, Goossens, Scott, Leighton, Holbrooke, Cooke, Milford, Arthur Butterworth and Eric Coates. It’s impressive and rewarding. This, displaying so many of his strengths and enthusiasms, was always especially close to his heart though.

The Bingham String Quartet was formed at the Royal Academy of Music in 1985 and has gone on to become one of the foremost chamber ensembles in the UK, with an enviable reputation for both classical and contemporary repertoire. The Quartet has recorded numerous CDs and has worked for radio and television both in the UK and as far afield as Australia. The group has toured in Europe, the Middle East and Australia and has worked with distinguished musicians such as Jack Brymer, Raphael Wallfisch, Michael Collins and David Campbell.

The Quartet’s educational activities have included residencies at London’s South Bank Centre, for several UK festivals and at Radley College. The Quartet is also known for its many performances of new works by some of the best young composers in Britain.

Bingham String Quartet:
• Steve Bingham, violin I
• Mark Messenger, violin II
• Brenda Stewart, viola
• Miriam Lowbury, cello