Sussex Chamber Players

Judith Templeman, Rachel Ellis, Adam Barker & Anna Giddey, violins, Ros Hanson-Laurent & Emily Marsden, violas Jess Garner & Joe Giddey, cellos

This octet of chamber players each studied at one of the major colleges of music and has subsequently made a fulfilling career. Together they are a group of like-minded musicians who enjoy chamber music but also work in a range of settings including teaching, coaching and performing. They gave a splendid performance at the Music Circle's Vaughan Williams 150 concert in 2022 and now, to open our Spring series, are back with larger forces to play Mendelssohn's ever popular Octet, a youthful masterpiece brimming with energy, lyricism, and ingenuity. Programmed with this wonderful work are string octet arrangements by Anna Cooper of Moskowski's Bolero, Après Un Rêve by Fauré, Duke Ellington's Prelude to a Kiss, and the Sextet in E flat by Frank Bridge, a richly textured piece full of lush harmonies and poignant expression. A real feast of chamber music not to be missed!