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ROUND TEN GRANT APPLICATIONS
SABI ENSEMBLE
ENSEMBLE INFO
Ensemble Contact:
Carina Cosgrave
Email:
Ensemble Connect URL
UK Registered Charity No:
N/A
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Project Title: By Special Arrangement
The SABI ENSEMBLE presents By Special Arrangement, a new project designed to showcase original and reimagined works for string quintet (two violins, viola, cello, and double bass). The programme focuses on arrangements—both composer-created and ensemble-devised—that expand the reach and repertoire of string chamber music, while aligning with the ensemble’s mission to bring works by historically marginalised composers to the concert stage.
This will be a one-off performance, held as part of the established lunchtime concert series at the Norwich Assembly Rooms. The event marks the ensemble’s first appearance in East Anglia, an important step in building our national presence. The concert will take place in early 2026 (exact date TBC), with a target audience of classical music enthusiasts, students, and those interested in discovering underrepresented voices in chamber music. We aim to reach both a traditional concert-going demographic and those newer to the genre through inclusive programming and accessible presentation.
The repertoire includes:
• Louise Farrenc’s own string quintet arrangement of her Nonet
• Jessie Montgomery’s string version of Strum, originally for chamber orchestra
• Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s Novelletten, arranged by the ensemble from the original string orchestra and percussion version
• George Onslow’s Quintet (26), often his quintets wee written with open instrumentation until a meeting where he was inspired by Venetian double bass virtuoso Domenico Dragonetti and french bassist Achille Gouffe
This unique instrumentation and mix of historical and contemporary perspectives allows us to present a high-calibre, flexible programme that appeals to promoters looking for quality content without the logistical or financial demands of larger ensembles.
A key component of the project is the creation of a professional-quality film, which will include highlight recordings of each work. The filming will take place over a dedicated session and will serve both artistic and promotional purposes: to advertise the programme to concert series and festivals, and to create sellable digital content for the ensemble's growing audience. This will be the first professional video recording for the Sabi Ensemble and a critical step in establishing our online presence.
By Special Arrangement combines artistic ambition, practical adaptability, and a commitment to representation—positioning the Sabi Ensemble for long-term growth while offering audiences a fresh and engaging concert experience.
YouTube link to live concert performance
https://youtu.be/IDUsOQzdgDg?si=HxyAZAjaXxlmzHFJ
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
The SABI ENSEMBLE aims to bring music from the margins to centre stage.
We perform exclusively on period instruments and focus on repertoire that has been largely forgotten. Our mission is to be as inclusive and accessible as possible — for both audiences and performers — while delivering high-quality concerts and events.
The ensemble features exceptional chamber musicians and leaders in their fields:
Violin I: Catherine Martin – Professor at the Royal College of Music (RCM), leader of the Gabrieli Consort
Violin II: Persephone Gibbs – Member of the Academy of Ancient Music (AAM), Gabrieli Consort
Viola: Clifton Harrison – International violist and researcher, formerly of the Kreutzer Quartet (cliftonharrison.co)
Cello: Sarah McMahon – Professor at RCM, principal cellist of Irish Baroque Orchestra (IBO) and AAM
Double Bass: Carina Cosgrave – RCM professor, historical performer, orchestral and theatre musician
Since our formation in 2024, SABI Ensemble has:
Held a repertoire day, funded by a DYCP grant
Devised a community event in collaboration with Afri-Co-Lab (St Leonards-on-Sea, September 2024), including performance, research discussion, and Q&A
Given a debut concert in the Sounds St Leonards series (25th October 2024)
Recorded our first album (Jan 2025), to be released on Penny Fiddle Records in October 2025
Upcoming performances include:
18th October 2025 – Kings Place, showcase as part of Classically Black
25th October 2025 – Album launch concert, London
We aspire to grow into a nationally and internationally recognised ensemble, championing neglected and overlooked repertoire.
PROJECT COSTS
Number of performers:
Instrumentalists:
Vocalists:
Other:
Project Income (£):
Ticketing/Fees:
Public Funding:
Other trusts/foundations - confirmed
Other trusts/foundations - pending
Other
Income - Total sources
1200
0
0
0
0
0
Project Expenses (£):
Artists' fees
Artists' travel/accommodation
Venue - Rehearsal/Concert:
Recording/Filming:
Marketing/Publicity:
Management/Contingency:
4450
1015
740
1150
250
1000
Total Project Costs:
8605
Amount (£) of Grant Requested:
7405
Detailed Budget (Download):
IMPACT OF GRANT
The grant would be pivotal in supporting the Sabi Ensemble’s artistic growth and national reach. It will fund our first high-quality professional film recordings, essential for promoting our By Special Arrangement programme to UK venues and festivals. The grant also allows us to rehearse thoroughly, offering a polished yet cost-effective programme in future. Performing in Norwich expands our geographic footprint and audience. Crucially, this project furthers our mission to spotlight historically
ADDITIONAL MATERIAL
Video from recently formed ensemble (if provided. If not, the CF 'Happy Holidays' video will appear by default)
PDF of detailed programme notes (if provided):
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