Continuo Connect — Profile // Sestina Music

Sestina Music is a dynamic early music ensemble based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Founded in 2011 by Mark Chambers, who remains the ensemble’s Musical Director, Sestina Music has a reputation for excellence and authenticity in early music performance as well as a fresh and innovative approach to programming.

Sestina Music performs regularly with specialist early music performers, and has worked with ensembles such as His Majesty’s Sagbutts and Cornetts, Monteverdi String Band and the Irish Baroque Orchestra. Along with regular performances in Northern Ireland, Sestina Music performs all around Ireland and the UK, with recent performances at East Cork Early Music Festival, Purbeck Art Weeks Festival, the Barber Institute of Fine Arts, Birmingham and Sligo Festival of Baroque Music. Sestina Music’s debut recording, Master and Pupil, explores the influences and legacy of Claudio Monteverdi.

The support and development of aspiring professional singers from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland is at the heart of Sestina Music’s activities, and its Exitex Next Generation Mentoring Programme provides training for young performers, giving them the opportunity to work alongside world-class professionals. Sestina Music also has a comprehensive education and outreach programme, including schools workshops and 'Sing with Sestina' events.

Musicians who regularly perform with Sestina Music include:

Singers:
Charlotte O'Hare
Sarah Keating
Lauren McCann
Fiona Flynn
Francesco Giusti
Sarah Thursfield
Beth Taylor
Christopher Bowen
Max O'Neill
Patrick McGinley
Edward Woodhouse
William Gaunt
Malachy Frame
Ben McKee

Players:
Claire Duff
Leonie Curtin
Anita Vedres
Rachael Masterson
Erin Hennessy
Caitríona O'Mahony
Nathan Sherman
Lisa Dowdall
Norah O'Leary
Carina Drury
Malachy Robinson
Sarah Groser
Malcolm Proud
Tristan Russcher
David Adams
James Taylor
Siobhán Armstrong
Toby Carr