Star Violinist Stephanie Gonley to Lead The Fews Ensemble in Spectacular Sextet Concert in Carlingford
The World Premiere of new work by Newry composer Amy Rooney is to be performed by Newry’s The Fews Ensemble
Internationally acclaimed violinist Stephanie Gonley will lead The Fews Ensemble in a magnificent afternoon of string sextets at Carlingford Heritage Centre, presented by Newry Chamber Music.
One of Britain's most distinguished violinists, Stephanie Gonley has enjoyed an exceptional international career as a soloist, chamber musician and orchestral leader. Best known for her longstanding role as Leader of the renowned English Chamber Orchestra, she has performed with some of the world's finest musicians and appeared on concert stages across the globe. She will be joined in Carlingford by her esteemed colleagues from The Fews Ensemble, all internationally accomplished chamber musicians in their own right, for what promises to be an outstanding afternoon of music-making.
Joining Stephanie Gonley are violinist Joanne Quigley McParland, violists Rose Redgrave and Joel Hunter, and cellists Jonathan Aasgaard and Nick Trygstad. Together, these six exceptional musicians bring a wealth of experience from some of the world’s leading orchestras and chamber ensembles.
Her appearance in Carlingford offers local audiences a rare opportunity to hear an artist of this calibre in the intimate surroundings of the historic Carlingford Heritage Centre.
At the heart of the afternoon is Arnold Schoenberg's extraordinary Verklärte Nacht (Transfigured Night), a work of intense passion and emotional depth, alongside the glorious warmth of Brahms's String Sextet in G major and the exquisite opening sextet from Richard Strauss's opera Capriccio.
The programme will also feature the world premiere of a new composition by Newry composer Amy Rooney, continuing Newry Chamber Music's commitment to championing contemporary musical voices alongside the great masterpieces.
Joanne Quigley McParland, Artistic Director of Newry Chamber Music, said:
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Stephanie Gonley to lead The Fews Ensemble. She is a phenomenal musician with an extraordinary international career, and someone I have had the great fortune of working alongside for many years in the English Chamber Orchestra. To welcome her to Carlingford to perform with The Fews Ensemble is particularly special.
The string sextet repertoire is among the most beautiful and emotionally powerful music ever written. With six exceptional musicians, these works have an incredible richness of sound, but also the intimacy and immediacy that make chamber music so exciting.
It’s a wonderful opportunity for audiences to experience world-class music right on their doorstep.”
The concert forms part of Newry Chamber Music's 2026–27 season, which celebrates the tenth anniversary of The Fews Ensemble and brings internationally renowned artists to venues across the region.