Ficino Quartet in concert at Mayo venue next week

Formed in 2013, the Ficino Ensemble has been committed to exploring the vast chamber music repertoire and presenting thoughtfully programmed concerts.

The group regularly perform as a string quartet, and the addition of winds and percussion gives the possibility of playing large-scale chamber works.

The quartet – Elaine Clark (violin), Hugh Murray (violin), Nathan Sherman (viola) and Yseult Cooper Stockdale (cello) – are coming west to Ballina Arts Centre next week, performing at the venue on Thursday, December 8, at 8 p.m.

Their debut recording, Winter, released on the Ergodos record label, has received critical acclaim and has put them at the forefront of the Irish chamber music scene.

Ficino Ensemble takes the name from Marsilio Ficino, the Renaissance philosopher who regarded music as a 'contemplation of the divine'.

The quartet will present another fascinating programme at Ballina Arts Centre, including Philip Glass’s hugely popular ‘Mishima’, drawn from his 1985 soundtrack to Paul Schrader’s film on the life of author, playwright and latter-day Samurai, Yukio Mishima. The concert also features a new commission by Cork composer Linda Buckley and Ravel’s evergreen string quartet from 1903.

Presented in association with the National String Quartet Foundation, tickets for next week's show cost €18/€16 and early booking is advised on (096) 73593 or info@ballinaartscentre.com.