No Strings Attached

Yesterday evening a newly qualified actuary and a newly qualified CIFAS went to listen to no strings attached's programme divide and conquer, renaissance music for string quartets.

It was wonderful. The concert took place in our dojo again. The mats, that we normally train on, were piled up to serve as low seats. The light was soft and just about bright enough for the musicians to read their music. I have heard no strings attached play a couple of times now and I love the "living room" kind of atmosphere of their concerts. Their performance is easy and unconstrained, there is none of the pretentiousness that classical concerts often have. Inbetween the pieces the band explains what you are about to hear and gives a bit of background information or - if their the song has lyrics - they'll read them out or summarise what they are about.

If you visit their website, there is a section called Musik, where you can listen to snippets of live recordings. It's worth it! Check out pounding down the brews, a programme of Irish and English drinking songs.