FICINO QUARTET
Elaine Clark, violin
Lynda O’Connor, violin
Nathan Sherman, viola
Ailbhe McDonagh, cello

“The Ficino Ensemble has established itself as one of Ireland’s leading chamber groups. Its intelligently programmed, superbly played debut recording illustrates why.” – Michael Quinn.  

Formed in 2013, Ficino Ensemble is an acclaimed chamber music group known for programming a breadth of musical styles. Their concerts have been described as “distinctive, transparent and carefully poised”, and have been broadcast on radio programmes worldwide. Each member of the ensemble is a major force on the Irish classical and contemporary music scene and enjoys devoting time to curated chamber music programmes. The group regularly collaborates with composers and are devoted to the presentation of new music as the feature of diligently programmed concerts. In 2018, the group performed a concert of Beethoven’s String Quartet op. 132 in darkness, which included a reading of TS Eliot’s Four Quartets read by Olwen Fouéré. Their live performances are regularly featured on RTE and BBC. Ficino Ensemble released their debut recording Winter in 2018 and was long-listed for the RTÉ Choice Music Prize. It was described as “perfect in every way” (Bernard Clarke RTE Lyric Fm). Their newest album, a collaboration with Michelle O’Rourke where they recorded Luciano Berio’s Folk Songs, was released in 2022 was described as “Bewitching” (Guardian), and included in the Guardian’s Top 10 Folk Albums of 2022, and Best Contemporary Classical on Bandcamp. Ficino Ensemble takes its name after the Renaissance polymath Marsilio Ficino who emphasised the importance of music for the enrichment of the soul.

Elaine Clark, violin

Born in Aberdeen, Elaine Clark studied with David Takeno at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, and Viktor Lieberman at the Utrecht Conservatory in the Netherlands. Since 1996, when she was appointed Co-Leader of the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, Elaine has made Dublin her home. She is a regular soloist with the NSO, most recently in performances of Philip Glass’ Concerto No1, Bach's Violin Concerto, as well as the concerti of Khachaturian, Prokofiev and Berg. In 2019, she performed as soloist in John Williams’ Fiddler on the Roof Suite in the presence of Michael D. Higgins. She has also led many orchestras, both at home and abroad, including RTÉ Concert Orchestra, Ulster Orchestra, Royal Scottish National Orchestra and Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. In 2023, she was appointed Leader of the National Symphony Orchestra. She is a member of Ficino Ensemble and Clarion Horn Trio. She has also travelled extensively with the contemporary music ensemble Concorde and has performed numerous world premieres.

Lynda O’Connor, violin

Lynda O’Connor began her musical education as a Suzuki student with Magsie Goor and subsequently completed a BA in DIT, where she studied with Ronald Masin and Michael D’Arcy. Further studies include the Artist Certificate in Southern Methodist University, Dallas Texas with Chee Yun Kim and MMusPerf in RIAM with Fionnuala Hunt.  Lynda is an active performer, in great demand as an orchestral leader, chamber musician and soloist, and has enjoyed collaborations with musicians such as John O Conor, Barry Douglas, Allesio Bax, Michael McHale, Celine Byrne, Michael Collins, Michael O Suilleabhain, Kenneth Edge members of the Vanbrugh and Pavao quartets and Musici Ireland. Lynda is also a full-time member/founder of the Ficino Ensemble, Belisma Trio and Trio Elatha (a traditional Irish music crossover group with Cellist Ailbhe McDonagh and Guitarist Brendan Walsh). Lynda is in demand as an Orchestral performer both at home and abroad as a principal player, working with orchestras including Plano Symphony Orchestra, International Mahler Orchestra, Camerata Ireland, Wexford Opera Orchestra, The National Orchestra of Ireland, Aalborg Symphony Orchestra, RTE Concert Orchestra and the Irish Chamber Orchestra. Lynda teaches violin at the Royal Irish Academy of Music.

Nathan Sherman, viola

American-born violist Nathan Sherman has been based in Dublin since 1999 and enjoys a career collaborating with other adventurous musicians. His curiosity and eclecticism allow him to present work ranging from Schütz and Purcell, to experimenting with heavy metal and aquariums. Nathan is a tireless commissioner and his “commanding and assured” performances (Journal of Music) have brought him around the world.  His solo album The Gentle Erasure of Time includes six works written for Nathan and is "a showcase for Sherman's formidable skill; his beautiful tone colour and acrobatic virtuosity."  Nathan's critically acclaimed duo with percussionist Alex Petcu is a fusion of unique sounds and performances have been described as “sheer perfection” (SOUND Scotland) and have released two albums on Diatribe and Ergodos. Nathan is co-founder of the contemporary music group Stone Drawn Circles, composes music for his avant-metal trio BY A SKY, and is Artistic Director of Ficino Ensemble. Together with his wife, Nathan runs a community orchestra in Dublin which regularly raises money to buy instruments for children.

Ailbhe McDonagh, cello

Ailbhe McDonagh is an internationally recognised cellist and composer, known for her work as both a soloist and chamber musician. Praised by Fanfare Magazine for her “flawless technique, faultless intonation, and a strong yet meltingly sweet tone,” she has built a distinguished career through performances, recordings, and broadcasts that have reached audiences around the world. Her latest album entitled 'Bach: Complete Solo Cello Suites' was released on the Steinway & Sons label in 2024 and is the first recording of these works, composed by JS Bach, by an Irish cellist. As an accomplished chamber musician, Ailbhe collaborates with the acclaimed pianist John O’Conor, with her sister Orla McDonagh, and with violinist Lynda O’Connor. She is a member of the Ficino Ensemble and the traditional Irish music crossover group Trio Elatha. Ailbhe is also an established composer with over 250 published works and commissions to her name.