Pura Corda: Bringing Classical Music to Life with Heart, Heritage, and a Living Room Soul

Stories | June 26, 2025

In one of the episodes of the Merita Project podcasts, we meet Pura Corda, an energetic Amsterdam string quartet that consists of four musicians who are Greek, Spanish, and Catalan: cellist Antigoni, first violin Mayum, violist Eura, and second violin Panagiotis.

Their adventure began with passion and shared love for a Greek string quartet in G minor. What started as an idea between two conservatory friends soon grew into a full ensemble. Their journey took shape through serendipity, commitment to chamber music, and a desire to break free from traditional concert norms.

A Quartet with a Mission

Pura Corda is more than a string quartet. They specialize in historically informed performance practice, which means they perform music using the same tools, styles, and techniques that musicians used at the time the music was written. From period-authentic bows and gut strings to sordinas, they work towards authenticity and intimacy being re-established in classical performance.
They are also deeply committed to inclusivity and representation, frequently featuring works by lesser-known and women composers. “We think it’s important to enlighten,” they explain, shedding light on music that has unjustly faded into obscurity.

Chamber Music Outside the Concert

During their residency with Merita, Pura Corda considered a critical problem for the classical music community: diversity and accessibility of the audience. They found that their audiences were limited by age and demographic – peers or older supporters of classical music. This brought up a bigger question: How do we bring classical music to those who do not usually go to these performances?

Their answer? Living room concerts. Inspired by grassroots festivals in Berlin where people open their homes and pianos to strangers, Pura Corda embraced the idea of informal, cozy performances in everyday spaces. It’s about breaking down the invisible wall between performers and audiences – no fancy dress codes, no intimidation, just music and human connection.

Turning Elitism on Its Head, Openness Embraced

The quartet is frank about the elitist image that still clings to classical music – wearing gowns, observing unspoken social protocol, and being someone who presents themselves in a way that feels disconnected from everyday life. “We want to make classical music more approachable,” they say. “It’s not for the rich or the highly educated only. It’s for everyone.”

Their work with Merita has allowed them to refine this vision, experimenting with new concepts to increase their audience base and redefine what a concert can be.

From the Mediterranean to the Arctic Circle

Their residency experience in snowy Norway, far from their sunny Mediterranean homes, was equally transformative. “It’s the first time I’ve been so far north,” says one member. Though the Northern Lights remained elusive, the inspiration they found from the landscape to the hospitality was unforgettable.
They expressed heartfelt gratitude to their hosts and the Merita team for the opportunity to create, reflect, and perform in such a supportive and stimulating environment.

A Future of Forgotten Sounds Rediscovered

While preparing for their final concert of the residency, Pura Corda remains committed to its artistic mission: reviving forgotten voices, reimagining the concert experience, and reaching new communities with authenticity and heart.

“We like to record less well-known composers,” they say. “Everyone ought to be able to hear again.”

Adiós from Pura Corda and thank you for listening.