Chamber Music in Wales, Ensemble Cymru!
Chamber music has been around for centuries, originating in the late 1700s. It is recognised by its small ensembles with only one or two instrumentalists per part; it is an intimate performance and was intended to be played in smaller spaces such as a drawing room or reception. Due to its intimate performance, chamber music has been named “the music of friends” with ensembles often praised for being great company and hosts.
A group who is promoting the chamber music wales genre is Ensemble Cymru who are currently on their national Welsh tour. They are known as the leading Welsh chamber music performing group, having played venues such as The Great Hall (Swansea), Pontio (Bangor) and Venue Cymru (Llandudno). They also promote the art form by putting on shows in schools, hospitals and public places which allows everyone to experience their passion and talent.
The group are currently celebrating their 15 year anniversary by touring throughout Wales. The tour is featuring a range of talented chamber music performe
rs including the piano, harp, oboe, violin and more. The ensembles 2014 national tour production of Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf was broadcast on S4C which allowed the group to reach more t
han 15,000 people. The performance was well received with Hollywood Actor Rhys Ifans also recording a welsh language voiceover.
As well as performing locally, the group have established links with other countries to offer the chance to learn about different cultures and music. Switzerland is one of the countries currently working with the ensemble, offering a cultural exchange programme. The programme has allowed its members to perform in the British Embassy in Berne as well as more exciting venues. Opportunities like the programme have allowed the increased visibility of Chamber music as well as a once in a lifetime opportunity of performing at brilliant locations.
Ensemble Cymru have a fantastic range of performances lined up over the next few months, to find out more you can find their updated events by clicking here.
