The New Orford String Quartet appearance July 30th at Walter Hall was not as expected.

Yes our Toronto Summer Music program was already a departure from normal expectations, putting Brahms’ F minor piano quintet before rather than after Beethoven’s Op 131 String Quartet.

When Jonathan Crow came out to explain a few things after intermission, such as the unexpected sequence, he added to the drama with an announcement.

After close to a decade as Artistic Director, I came knowing that tonight was Jonathan’s last concert performing as AD at a TSM concert. I wanted to experience that.

The drama came in the introduction after intermission, when we heard that cellist Brian Manker was leaving, and this performance was to be his last concert with the NOSQ after more than a decade in the ensemble.

After Jonathan’s announcement, Brian said a few words.

It made the reading of this passionate quartet extra special, every note more poignant than usual.

Nothing was held back, the frequent moments of dialog between instruments taking on comical overtones at times, the players smiling and exchanging intimate glances. They played with one mind, unified and their ego vanishing into the Beethoven, presented as an organic whole.

I don’t think I am the only one who didn’t want it to end.

Earlier they played Brahms, a work in four big parts that seemed to improve, becoming more cohesive and expressive with each successive movement.

Pianist Ian Parker seemed to play without looking at his music or the instrument, thoughtfully watching the quartet most of the way. Their ensemble play was very tight.

Toronto Summer Music has taken things to a higher level under Jonathan, both in the excellence of the programming he has curated, the remarkable talent coming to our city, and the explosion of attendance lately. He’s going out on a high note.

Cake was served afterwards in the lobby.