The brain child of Co-Artistic Directors, Paul and Trish Dean, Ensemble Q was born in 2017 out of a desire to present a classical ensemble offering the highest-quality programming and performance standards. The Ensemble of 12 players includes some of Australia’s best classical musicians, an impressive and talented line-up.

Fish, chips and warm beer was conceived with the English countryside and its traditional folk music in mind. Vaughan Williams, the quintessential composer of the England of the early 20th century, is central to the program with his Six Studies in English Folksongs. Cleverly programming each study around other works by historical and contemporary composers, his miniature vignettes were delightfully fresh and well executed.

Ensemble Q: Fish, Chips & Warm Beer. Photo © Darren Thomas

The first study, Lovely on the Water, featured oboe (Huw Jones) and the fourth, She Borrowed Some of Her Mother’s Gold, clarinet (Paul Dean), both beautifully played with glorious accompaniment by the string quartet. Trish Dean arranged the third, Van Diemen’s Land, prominently showcasing her heart-felt cello. Spurn Point, the second study, was well played by double-bass (Phoebe Russell) with fine piano accompaniment (Daniel de Borah).

Exquisite violin...