This year, Ensemble 360 are celebrating 20 years of creating world-class chamber music. Formed in Sheffield in 2005, this extraordinary ensemble was created by Music in the Round, well known for their production of concerts and festivals both in Sheffield and around the UK. The group is comprised of 11 musicians: one piano, five string and five wind players.
Ensemble 360 are known for their intimate and unconventional performances at the Crucible Playhouse. These concerts aim to bring chamber music (classical music composed for a small group of instruments) to audiences that would otherwise be unfamiliar with it.
The 41st Sheffield Chamber Music Festival takes place this May, guest curated by Ensemble 360. The festival features 20 fantastic events, from melodious jazz to timeless showtunes, exquisite solos to unmissable group performances.
“We’ve always wanted to curate the festival - it’s fantastic”, said Naomi Atherton, who has been horn player with Ensemble 360 since 2005. “The Sheffield audience is very special. One of the things about the Playhouse is the intimacy of the space, you can feel the audience and their feedback. The festival is very intense, but you know the audience is there for it all.”
Ensemble 360 have been recognised for their contributions to chamber music, including their events with schools and families which have introduced thousands of children to classical music. The group were shortlisted for the Royal Philharmonic Society Ensemble Award in 2023. Many of its members have also been recognised for their work, including founding member and lead pianist, Tim Horton.
Atherton (winner of the brass final of BBC Young Musician in 1984) said: “Our community work with young people is one of my highlights. When we do our family concerts at the Crucible, they have been learning the songs, and we walk out on stage to them singing the songs with joy in their faces. It makes my heart sing every single time.”
The festival will include performances from GRAMMY award-winning Dame Evelyn Glennie, as well as multi-award-winning Jasdeep Singh Degun. Over the course of the nine days, we can expect beautiful dawn concerts, family events (such as stories told through music) and a selection of chamber music favourites.
Atherton added: “There will always be a place for traditional chamber music.
“But as you can see in the Festival this year, it’s becoming more diverse and integrated with our communities. We have to represent what’s out there - we can’t stand still.”
If you are looking to book a music event for this year, make it this one. Nine days of exciting collaborations, world class musicians and even some familiar faces. There will be something for every member of the family. The 2025 Sheffield Chamber Music Festival runs from Friday 16 until Saturday 24 May and tickets are available now, starting at £5 for under-35s and students.
Book now at musicintheround.co.uk!
Comments