It has become almost a tradition to invite a larger ensemble than usual to present the last major concert of the series. This year we are delighted to welcome the Primavera as our guests.

The Primavera Chamber Ensemble is a spin-off from the London Primavera Orchestra which was formed by its Artistic Director, Paul Manley in 1986. This orchestra is comprised of some of Britain’s finest chamber music players, all section principals being soloists in their own right.

Drawn from its distinguished cast of principal players, the Primavera Chamber Ensemble performs as groups of eight players, as will appear at the Richmond Concert Society event, or even fewer. Their recording of the Octet and String Quintet of Mendelssohn received outstanding reviews and it will be a performance of the Octet that will conclude their RCS concert.

Some time ago, on Meridian Television, a number of the finest country houses in the UK were host to the ensemble’s performances which spread over eight programmes and attracted viewing figures of half a million by the fourth programme.

The Ensemble have been frequent visitors to a number of the country's major festivals and perform frequently on London’s South Bank, St George’s in Bristol and at the Nouveau Siècle in Lille.