A series of concerts led by the Degani Ensemble during March will focus on the music of Beethoven, Gounod, Haydn, Moeran, Reynaldo Hahn and Vivaldi. Featuring guest musicians such as the pianist Finghin Collins, sopranos Kate Canning and Grace Bermingham and the guitarist Pat Coldrick, the concerts take place at St Ann’s Church in Dublin at 3.30pm on Sundays 10, 17 and 24 of March. The violinist Alan Smale, who leads the ensemble, and who will be stepping down from his other role as Leader of the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra later this year, spoke to The Journal of Music about the upcoming series and the experience of playing chamber music in contrast to orchestral music.

‘Playing in a chamber music setting is always a joy’

‘Chamber music has been a constant feature of my life since I was at school. At college among my fellow students it was regarded as the pinnacle of our musical experience, and I have seen and heard nothing in the forty years since then to change that view. Orchestral playing, and in particular leading, has for me always seemed a natural extension of chamber playing, as one is still working as part of a team. As Leader I can often have more input into the performance of the orchestra than any other individual player, and the close working relationship I enjoy with conductors and soloists is a great thrill and privilege. The satisfaction of chamber music comes with the responsibility of playing a solo part, and the equal importance and input of every member. I have to say that I love both roles equally, though orchestral leading is the more stressful one.

‘Playing with the ensemble or in any chamber music setting is always a joy; organising and running the group can be difficult, time consuming and very expensive. It is never easy to find rehearsal time while juggling four or more schedules, and sacrifices have to be made, mainly rest time and family and social life. There is a huge weight of responsibility both to colleagues and to the audience to produce a high standard of performance.

‘The Beethoven Septet and Piano and Wind Quintet [which the Degani Ensemble will perform with Finghin Collins] are pieces which chose themselves really. The Deganis have been moving into larger chamber music groupings with mixed string and wind combinations, and the Septet is one of the great classics, along with the Schubert Octet and Spohr Nonet which we performed in 2012. Finghin Collins’ participation comes in the wake of his triumphant survey of all Beethoven’s major works for piano and orchestra with the RTÉ NSO, and was an opportunity too good to miss.

‘The idea for the (mostly) Vivaldi concert began after a conversation with guitarist Pat Coldrick about the Concerto, and took shape quickly after. The attraction is how good the music sounds with single instruments to a part, as well as in an orchestral setting, and the beauty of the solo writing for violin, oboe and guitar in the two concertos chosen.

‘Although my own ensemble was first formed around 1985, I had always performed with friends in chamber music concerts. The original group lasted through several changes in personnel, mainly as a string trio with oboe, or as a string quartet, till 1994, when the pressures of my new position as Leader of the RTÉ NSO and diverse family commitments within the group, led us to disband. In 2005 three of the original members got together again and began rehearsing and organising concerts. We know each other’s playing inside out, and the performers and guests who have joined us since are colleagues whose playing and singing inspire and complement the original ensemble. It is for me first and foremost a labour of love — undertaken purely for artistic satisfaction, and the friendships that closely working together can bring.

‘When I leave my Leader’s position later this year I plan to do much more chamber music, solo playing and teaching. I will continue to do freelance orchestral playing and leading as much as possible, as well as film and other studio and session work. I will also be seeking to extend my guest-leading opportunities abroad.’

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