Madam, – I have been reading about the Vanbrugh Quartet and the recent controversy over cutbacks. Michael Dervan’s comment about the amount of chamber musicians coming out of Cork in the last decade hit home (Arts, January 18th).
There is no doubt that coming in contact with Gregory Ellis at a relatively young age was vital in my development. He was in fact the first person who took my parents aside and told them I had a talent that needed nurturing. He was there for advice and I appreciate that hugely.
We hadn’t any idea about the world of professional performance and didn’t know anyone else making such a career, but what a difference it made to have these four people close at hand, people who were “normal” and approachable and helpful beyond the call of duty. Not to mention how excellent they are.
That I then ended up concentrating on chamber music is no co- incidence. I can only imagine that the generation behind me in Cork has felt that same stimulus and well, a feeling that it is possible, within reach, to play in an internationally acclaimed quartet or chamber group (in my case) and make a healthy living and career out of making music.
Being part of the West Cork Chamber Music Festival from a young age was also a turning point. Being surrounded by world-class artists like that, just down the road from where I grew up, was truly inspirational. And without the Vanbrugh, it’s unlikely that festival would be there today.
As Francis Humphrys said, they really are “good value”! What a shame if we lose them now, in their prime. – Yours, etc,