Ensemble Q is an impressive collective of musicians who’s self proclaimed purpose is to showcase and develop talent within the Australian classical music scene. The group seems to be characterised by the members passion for chamber music and their desire to ensure it thrives in the future. This can be seen in the fact that they often play new compositions, something fairly unusual today! It is, then, exciting that they will be performing as part of the ‘pre-festival’ programme for the George Town Festival this year. Their concert will include compositions by Mozart, Janacek and Messiaen and so follows the development of Chamber music from the 18th to 20th centuries. The concert will take place in the elegant setting of the Grand Ballroom at the E&O Hotel, on Friday 3rd of August at 8pm. Tickets cost RM 50 (RM 25 for students) and can be purchased here: http://grabapop.com/events/ensembleq

As well as this, there is a fantastic opportunity not just to listen and enjoy the music but to learn from the performers themselves in their masterclasses and chamber music workshop. In line with their desire to foster new musicians through their mentorship programme in Australia, they will be sharing what they’ve learnt as professionals in the chamber music world for anyone that might be interested to learn more. The workshops and masterclasses are free of charge and will take place on Wednesday August 1st. Registration can be made using this link: https://georgetownfestival.com/programmes/ensemble-q-workshops-masterclasses

 

If you have an interest in European classical music, it might also be worth attending one of the Cantamus Dresden concerts. They are a world-class chamber choir from Dresden in Germany, and will be performing twice on the Saturday 4th of August, at the Star Building on Pitt Street at 3pm, with a programme of a cappella secular music (tickets RM 65-85 per person), and in the beautiful venue of St George’s Church on Lebuh Farquhar at 6.30pm that same day (entrance by donation) with a programme of European church music. More information can be found here: https://georgetownfestival.com/programmes/cantamus-dresden-highlights-of-european-music.

 

By Ella Benson Easton