Violinist Rafael Todes has raised a very musical family.
Hence, it came to be that this member of the Allegri String Quartet, a very esteemed classical musical act, had decided that he and his family would give their neighbors something of a listening comfort during this harsh quarantine environment. His wife Helena Newman and children Isabella and Max was performing one of their several performances recently, with a rendition of Shostakovich’s String Quartet No.4. They were soon met with the most unexpected audience to their little roadside show – the police .
The police have officially said in a recorded video of the encounter: ‘I don’t enjoy this part of the job but it’s going to cause the street to keep gathering. I’m not here to fine you don’t worry but the whole street can’t be doing this. I hear what you’re doing, it’s good music but obviously it’s going to keep causing the street to block. I do apologise, it’s very good.’
The musician’s Facebook page not only posted a video of their interruption, but included this rather witty comment on their stories: ‘The final pop-up Alexander Street Quartet Concert. Shostakovich’s 4th Quartet closed down by the Police -tactfully!’
Mr Todes plays the violin and his wife plays the viola, daughter Isabella, 17, playing the violin and his son Max playing the cello makes a wholesome quartet. But we won’t be hearing their street music any time soon.
The violinist said in an interview: ‘About five weeks ago a neighbour asked us during lockdown whether we could do a little concert for the lady who lived upstairs. So we did that and people in the street watched and somebody said ”you’ve got to do this again next week”.’
He added: ‘Just before we played, I gave a little speech about Shostakovich and how he was out of favour when he wrote this and he was terrified that he was going to be arrested by Stalin’s people.’
Simon Messinger, Silver Commander for the Met’s Covid-19 policing operation, said: ‘This video illustrates how we encourage our officers to engage in what can sometimes be challenging circumstances.
The officer can clearly be heard explaining in a polite and informative manner his rationale for asking the performance to stop. No matter how positive the sentiment, if groups of people start to gather in public places then it is our officers’ duty to encourage people to move on for the safety of everyone.
On this occasion, those involved were happy to act on our officers advice and we’re grateful for the continued co-operation of all Londoners during this unique time.’
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Replaced!