Celebrating Our 80th Season 2026-27
Ensemble 360
Saturday 5 June 2027, 7.30pm
Ensemble 360
A thrilling evening with one of Britain's most versatile chamber groups
“Renowned for its virtuoso performances, bold programming and engaging interpretations.” — The Guardian
Bawtree Hall, Hazelwood School, Oxted
Tickets £30 | Under 26s free
Free parking | Interval drinks
One of the country's most accomplished and adaptable chamber groups, Ensemble 360 offers a wonderfully varied evening of music. Rather than performing in one fixed formation, its outstanding musicians come together in different combinations, for our concert a sextet: of piano, clarinet, two violins, viola and cello.
Our evening will move from the distinctive colours of clarinet, strings and piano to the richness and excitement of a full piano quintet.
The programme spans a remarkable range: the wit and infectious rhythms of Prokofiev, the warmth and serenity of Mozart, and then a beautiful discovery by the gifted British composer Pamela Harrison, who lived in Crockham Hill from 1943 to 1959. The evening will conclude with one of the most exhilarating works in all chamber music – Schumann's Piano Quintet.
New to chamber music? No specialist knowledge is needed. Ensemble 360 is known for drawing audiences into the music through its enthusiasm, spoken introductions and direct connection with listeners.
Programme Highlights
Prokofiev's Overture on Hebrew Themes, Op. 34, provides an immediately engaging opening. Written for clarinet, string quartet and piano, it alternates lively, dance-like energy with a more lyrical and nostalgic mood.
Mozart's Clarinet Quintet in A major, K. 581, is one of the best-loved works in the chamber repertoire. The clarinet sings, dances and converses with the string quartet rather than simply taking the role of soloist. Its famous slow movement is a moment of exceptional stillness and beauty.
After the interval comes the Lento movement from Pamela Harrison's Quintet for clarinet and strings. In this spacious and eloquent Lento, the clarinet seems to float above the strings.
The concert reaches a thrilling conclusion with Schumann's Piano Quintet in E-flat major, Op. 44. Its bold opening, darkly compelling funeral march and racing scherzo lead to a finale of tremendous momentum, crowned by an ingenious and jubilant close.
The Artists
Ensemble 360 was formed in 2005 as Music in the Round’s resident ensemble, continuing the chamber music legacy of the celebrated Lindsay Quartet. It is a flexible group of eleven musicians equally at home in familiar masterpieces, neglected repertoire and adventurous contemporary programmes.
Its name reflects the ensemble's roots in Sheffield's Crucible Studio, where audiences surround the performers and experience chamber music at unusually close quarters. That spirit of direct communication remains central to its work: the musicians are known not only for the quality of their playing but also for drawing audiences into the music through engaging spoken introductions.
Ensemble 360 performs throughout Britain and internationally and has been resident at the Sheffield Chamber Music Festival since 2006. Recent projects have included collaborations with leading singers and instrumentalists, BBC Radio 3 broadcasts, and the five-star recording Pierrot Portraits, described by BBC Music Magazine as “nothing short of a triumph”.
“Their love of what they do… is evident in every phrase.” — Sussex World
What to expect
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An intimate hall with an excellent acoustic
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Different instrumental combinations across the evening
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Performers who communicate warmly and directly with audiences
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A programme ranging from serenity to exhilarating drama
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A relaxed and welcoming atmosphere
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Free parking on site
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Interval drinks
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No dress code
Full programme
Sergei Prokofiev
Overture on Hebrew Themes, Op. 34 [9’]
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Clarinet Quintet in A major, K. 581 [34’]
INTERVAL
Pamela Harrison
Quintet for clarinet and strings: slow movement [8’]
Robert Schumann
Piano Quintet in E-flat major, Op. 44 [32’]
Bawtree Hall, Hazelwood School, Oxted
Tickets £30 | Under 26s free
Free parking | Interval drinks
At a glance
Date: Saturday 5 June 2027
Time: 7.30pm, doors close 7.25pm
Venue: Bawtree Hall, Hazelwood School, Oxted, RH8 0QU
Tickets: £30
Under 26s: Free
Parking: Free on site
Concert running time: Approximately 2 hours
Interval: Yes