The Degani Ensemble was first formed in the mid 1980s by a group of young musicians keen to explore a wide variety of chamber music for wind and strings. Based around oboe and string trio, the ensemble made the inaugural tour of Music Network in 1986, as well as numerous Dublin concerts and media broadcasts.

Having diversified into larger scale chamber music in the 1990s, the group was re-formed 4 years ago by founder members Ruby Ashley (oboe), Alan Smale (violin) and David James (cello). Elaine Clarke (violin) and John Lynch (viola) were subsequently added, bringing a wealth of chamber music experience to the chosen repertoire. The ensemble has recently been joined by multi-award winning soprano Cara O'Sullivan, to perform the music of Vaughan Williams, music of exceptional quality and very seldom performed.

Cork-born Cara O'Sullivan has an impeccable operatic pedigree and has risen to prominence as one of Ireland's leading sopranos. She is an instinctive performer with a remarkably full voice, exciting and dramatic, yet always performs with great sensitivity. She has shown herself to be a fearless vocal artist, whether singing Mozart, Verdi, Donizetti or Puccini. In demand for opera, oratorio, and song recitals, she is kept busy year-round and across the globe.

Cara's concert career and operatic engagements have taken her all over the world. Spanning an impressive and wide-ranging repertoire, she has been referred to as 'The Irish Superstar of her generation' by the Irish Times.

Sample Programmes

Mozart: Oboe Quartet in F
Schubert: String Trio Mvt. in B flat
Vaughan Williams: 10 Blake Songs for Voice and Oboe
Britten: Phantasy Quartet
Vaughan Williams: Along The Field (Houseman) Songs for Voice and Violin
Moeran: Fantasy Quartet
Encore: Irish Songs for Soprano and Ensemble

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More Info

For further information on availability or artist fees or to discuss a booking please contact the Performance Programme Manager by emailing .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or telephone: 01 6719429.