AN ENTHUSIASTIC audience assembled in the Penarth Pier Pavilion last Thursday to be treated to an outstanding musical performance by Epomeo Ensemble. The world-renowned string trio performed works by Beethoven, Weinberg and British composer John McCabe. The latter was particularly poignant with the composer having passed away on February 13 at the age of 75.

The leader of Ensemble, Kenneth Woods, who now lives in Penarth, paid tribute to McCabe who had fought valiantly against cancer for a number of years prior to his death. Many of those present commented on the unique experience of watching and listening to such hugely talented musicians in such an intimate setting. The players were particularly impressed with the outstanding acoustic quality of the Pavilion Gallery.

At the conclusion of the concert the members of the trio, Kenneth Woods cello, Diane Pascal, violin and David Yang, viola mingled with the audience who were keen to find out as much as possible about them and how their careers had developed. The viola player, David Yang, invited a member of the audience to ‘have a go’ at playing his viola which he explained had once been played by Brahms.

The Chair of Penarth Arts and Crafts, Professor Tony Hazell, said: “We are determined to provide a wide range of musical events here in the Pavilion and are so privileged to host such talented musicians as part of our comprehensive programme”."

Ensemble Epomeo will be at the Pavilion again in October when, as well as putting on another very special concert of Chamber Music, they will be performing their programme of folk stories from around the world to audiences drawn from local primary schools.