As part of the Music in the University concert series at the University of Glasgow, the internationally renowned Chilingirian String Quartet make a special Scottish visit in tribute to one of the major benefactors of Scottish music in the twentieth century, Sir John Blackwood McEwen (1868-1948).

In collaboration with the Scottish Music Information Centre, and the Chilingirian String Quartet the music of Sir John McEwen receives this exciting performance at the University of Glasgow.

John McEwen was a renowned supporter of Scottish composers and young musicians, ultimately setting up the McEwen Bequest at the University of Glasgow. This fund encourages the performance of music by Scottish composers and has included works commissioned from Thea Musgrave, Martin Dalby, Robert Crawford and William Sweeney.

In a fitting tribute to the composer, the McEwen Bequest funds are to be used for a special concert to celebrate Sir John McEwen's own music at the University of Glasgow.

The Chilingirian String Quartet further extend their reputation for pioneering British music in their unearthing the music of Sir John McEwen in an exciting collaboration with the Scottish Music Information Centre, where all the published and unpublished works of the composer are held. This work has resulted in the recording of 10 of the 19 String Quartets by McEwen. The first of three CD's recorded by the Chilingirian String Quartet, released in 2001, was met with critical acclaim.

Such collaboration between highly respected local institutions (the University of Glasgow Music Department and the Scottish Music Information Centre) and the internationally renowned Chilingirian String Quartet demonstrates the escalating enthusiasm for promoting Scottish Music to a wider and more diverse public.

Professor John Butt of the University of Glasgow Music Department said: 'We are very proud of the tradition of promoting Scottish Music, particularly where the University has such a personal connection to the composer.' Andrew Logan, Chief Executive of the Scottish Music Information Centre adds, 'this is an exciting development for the Centre as we actively support the promotion of Scottish Music.'

McEwen Concert: Chilingirian String Quartet

String Quartet in D, op. 18 no. 3, Beethoven
String Quartet, no. 6 'Biscay', McEwen
String Quartet in E Minor, op. 59 no. 2, Beethoven

Admission by Programme (£5/£3 conc) available at the door on the evening or in advance from: Scottish Music Information Centre, 1 Bowmont, Gardens, Glasgow G11 9LR, Tel: 0141 334 6393

Promoted at the University of Glasgow by the Scottish Music Information Centre with financial support from the University of Glasgow McEwen Bequest.

Media Relations Office (media@gla.ac.uk)

PRESS: For further information contact Andrew Bayly at the University of Glasgow (tel: 0141 330 4092) or Mandy Orr at SMIC (0141 334 6393).

First published: 9 December 2002