The Fitzwilliam String Quartet are performing works by Purcell, Glazunov, Mozart and Beethoven for Radlett Music Club next Tuesday, October 18.

Founded in 1968 by four Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, undergraduates who went on to study at the Royal Academy of Music, the quartet became well-known through their close personal association with Dmitri Shostakovich, who befriended them following a visit to York to hear them play.

He entrusted them with the Western premieres of his last three quartets and before long they had become the first group to perform and record all 15.

The recordings gained international awards and helped them secure a long-term contract with Decca and in 2005 the Shostakovich set was included in the Gramophone Magazine’s 100 greatest recordings.

The quartet performs a wide repertoire, from the late 17th century to the present day, and are one of the few established groups to play on both modern and historical instrument set-ups.

The recital at the Radlett Centre starts at 8pm and admission for non-members is £14 which can be booked online through the theatre or via the box office on 01923 859291. Admission is free for young people aged from eight to 25.