The Talland Quartet, a versatile ensemble based in Manchester, are dedicated to sharing their passion for chamber music. Formed during their time at the Royal Northern College of Music, they were chosen to participate in the 23/24 Hans Keller forum in Cambridge, receiving guidance from Alasdair Beatson, Richard Ireland, and John Myerscough. Having received the Hirsch, Weil, and Brodsky Prizes at the RNCM, they actively collaborate with other musicians to create innovative projects. The Quartet were selected to perform at the RNCM's Original Voices Festival and worked with composer Eden Longson to premiere a new piece at the Enys Chamber Music Festival in August 2023. During the 2023 Manchester International Festival, they performed in a pre-show set at Depot Mayfield, supporting Anna Meredith and receiving coaching on her piece Tuggemo. In August 2023, they participated in the Delft Chamber Music Atelier, studying under Donald Grant, Pavel Fischer, and Raaf Hekkema. Additionally, they have had the privilege of learning from Petr Prause, Mats Zeterqvist, Sara Bitlloch, and Henk Guittart.

Khiasmos Quartet, formed in 2022 at the Royal Northern College of Music, brings together vibrant musicians from Hong Kong, Italy, Ireland, and England. They are passionate about performing a wide range of music, from classical masterpieces to contemporary compositions and folk tunes - in an exciting endeavour to connect with wider audiences. The quartet has received coachings from members of the Elias and Castalian quartets, along with experienced artists including Mat Zettergvist (COE), Johannes Meissl (ECMA), Magnus Johnston, Cecily Ward, Vicci Wardman, Pavel Fisher, and Petr Prause. Their interest in contemporary compositions sparked collaborations with composers such as the recent one with Amelia Clarkson, recording ‘Pas de Deux’ from her latest ballet "White Doves," for a preview at the 2023 Irish Dance Festival in Dublin.  Khiasmos have performed recitals and made recordings across Manchester, London, and the Lake District, and they were invited to perform at an intercultural exchange in Tunis exploring Tunisian traditional Music. They are excited to be joining Donald Grant at Suffolk’s New light Festival 2024 this Summer, before joining the Talland Quartet at the Mourne Chamber Music Festival 2024.

Harpist Richard Allen was born in Belfast in 1993 and studied in the UK with Gabriella Dall’Olio then in Switzerland with Letizia Belmondo. As a soloist he has been awarded prizes across Europe as both a classical and traditional musician, notably at the North London Camac Harp Competition and the Concours International Félix Godefroid. Recent highlights include Mozart’s Flute & Harp Concerto with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland and Glière’s Harp Concerto with the Ulster Orchestra. As an orchestral musician he freelances with orchestras such as the BBC Philharmonic, Opera North, Hallé, Hamburg Philharmonic, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Bremer Philharmoniker, Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne, and the Bergen Philharmonic. Richard has been invited to tutor courses and masterclasses, most recently at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music & Dance, and the Royal Irish Academy of Music. He was recently appointed harp tutor at Leuphana Universität Lüneburg.

Jamie Howe is currently a fourth year student at the Royal Academy of Music in London. Formerly Head Boy at Chetham’s School of Music, Jamie began his viola studies with Graham Oppenheimer and is now under the tutelage of Jon Thorne.

Harry is currently pursuing a busy and diverse career both as a performer and a pedagogue. He has performed in concert halls such as the Concertgebouw Amsterdam, the Royal Albert Hall London, The Bridgewater Hall Manchester, Tivoli Vredenburg Utrecht and Symphony Hall Birmingham to name a few. In demand as an orchestral player he regularly plays with the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra, Amsterdam, BBC Philharmonic, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and the Hallé to name a few.

Bryn was born and bred in the southwestern - most tip of England (Cornwall), and started playing the double bass when he was sixteen. He has recently completed his masters degree at the Royal Northern College of Music, after studying for his undergraduate degree at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. Bryn is now the Junior Fellow in Double Bass at the RNCM, while continuing his freelance career with the BBC Philharmonic and Hallé orchestras. He hopes to study abroad from September 2024.

Born in Brazil, Marcus began learning the double bass at the age of 15 and has recently completed his studies at the Royal Northern College of Music, where he studied with the renowned double bassist Jiří Hudec. Born in Brazil, Marcus began learning the double bass at the age of 15 and has recently completed his studies at the Royal Northern College of Music, where he studied with the renowned double bassist Jiří Hudec.

Nikki grew up in Belfast in the height of the troubles. Her musical journey began in the City of Belfast School of Music where religion & social background was irrelevant and where music brought them together. It was here that Nikki developed her passion for Chamber Music under the direction of Heinz Hammerschlag. She then continued her studies at the Royal Academy of Music in London where she studied under the guidance of Clarence Myerscough and Howard Davis. Nikki continued her Chamber Music studies with the Amadeus Quartet and the Alberni Quartet during her undergraduate years and then specialised in Chamber Music for her post graduate studies. After completing her 6 years at RAM, Nikki worked as a freelance musician in London before returning home. Here she continued her work as a freelance musician with the Ulster Orchestra, television & radio whilst touring with Yehudi Menuhin’s ‘Live Music Now’ Chamber Music Scheme and growing a private teaching practice. Over the following years Nikki’s passion for educating and inspiring young musicians became her main focus. Her goal is to promote the importance of learning a musical instrument, highlighting the skill sets that this develops as well as the emotions and joy that classical music brings. Her Summer Strings Course is this year celebrating it’s 30th year. Former students including Orla McGarrity come back as tutors which inspires current students to work hard. Nikki currently teaches Violin, Viola and Chamber Music in Assumption Grammar School along side her Private Teaching Practice.

Newry-born Rory Masterson has been actively involved in the local arts scene across the island of Ireland since his youth. He has participated in various music competitions, including Feis Ceoil Dublin, Newry Feis, Ballymena Music Festival, and the Rotary Club of Comber Young Musician of the Year, where his talents were duly recognised.

Poyntzpass based violinist Rachael Masterson is a graduate of the MTU Cork School of Music, where she completed the Undergraduate and Masters programme. During her time in CSM, she studied with violinists Ruxandra Petcu-Colan and Katherine Hunka. During her time in CSM, she was a member of the Doolan quartet, who performed regularly throughout Cork as part of National String Quartet Foundation Series in 2018, as well as making appearances at the West Cork Chamber Music Festival as part of the masterclass programme in 2018 and 2019 In addition to her deep appreciation for chamber music, Rachael has a passion for Baroque violin. She eagerly anticipates participating in the St. Andrew’s Masterclass programme in Edinburgh in August 2024, where she will take part in masterclasses and workshops with Rachel Podger and Laurence Cummings. Orchestral experiences include professional engagements with the Irish Baroque Orchestra, RTE Concert Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra, Irish Chamber Orchestra, Ulster Orchestra, Irish National Opera and Camerata Ireland.