Thursday, 30th April 2026
Assembly House Classical presents SABI ENSMBLE: BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
SABI ENSEMBLE’S latest project showcases original and reimagined works from string quintet, both composer created and ensemble revised that expand the reach and repertoire of string chamber music while based in the ensembles mission to bring historically marginalised composers work to the concert platform.
Programme
Louise Farrenc (1804–1875) – Nonet in E-flat major, Op.38 (arranged by the composer for string quintet)
George Onslow (1784–1853) – String Quintet No.26 in C minor, Op.67
1.00pm (doors open 12.30pm)
The Assembly House, Norwich
Catherine Martin – Violin I
Persephone Gibbs – Violin II
Tom Kettle – Viola
Sarah McMahon – Cello
Carina Cosgrave – Double Bass
PAST CONCERTS & EVENTS
Saturday, 25th October 2025
Plumstead Peculiars presents SABI ENSEMBLE: FROM THE HEART Album Launch
This programme of Nonets marks two 150th anniversaries: the birth of Coleridge-Taylor and the death of Louise Farrenc (1875). Both were composers of astonishing talent, yet they have long been sidelined in the story of 19th- and 20th-century music. To celebrate them together, and to perform their works on historical instruments, is our way of placing this music from the margins centre stage.
FROM THE HEART brings together two composers at opposite ends of their lives: Farrenc, writing at the height of her career but soon silenced by grief, and Coleridge-Taylor, still a student, yet already revealing the voice of a major composer whose life would end far too soon. Their stories remind us that music is not simply an abstract art but one shaped by experience, resilience, joy and loss.
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (1875-1912) Nonet in F minor Op.2
Louise Farrenc (1804-1875) Nonet in E-flat major Op.38
4pm
Ascension Church, Plumstead
134 Timbercroft Lane, London SE18 2SG
Saturday, 18th October 2025
Black Lives in Music presents CLASSICALLY BLACK
SABI ENSEMBLE is delighted in be part of the Classically Black festival-now in its second year, Classically Black is part of a wider cultural movement, amplifying underrepresented voices and reshaping classical music across the UK.
Opening with a keynote from Dr Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason, this event moves through a range of powerful musical expressions, from the rich, expressive works of Louise Farrenc and Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, performed by the SABI ENSEMBLE, to the innovative fusion of Simmy Singh, whose violin and electronics blend classical, jazz, folk and experimental sound worlds.
Bringing the session to a thrilling close, The Jollof House Party Opera serves up a spicy mix of opera and hip-hop in a high-energy, hybrid performance. Co-produced by Music Theatre Wales and FIO, this is opera, but not as you know it.
This performance invites you to experience new voices and fresh narratives rooted in both tradition and transformation.
2:30 PM KINGS PLACE, HALL TWO
Friday, 25th October 2024
As part of the Sounds St Leonards series, Sabi Ensemble present a programme of chamber music including the work of Louise Farrenc, George Onslow and Samuel Coleridge Taylor
St John’s Church, TN38 0LA
Saturday, 21st September 2024
In collaboration with Afri-Co-Lab the SABI ENSEMBLE founder, Carina Cosgrave will be sharing her love for historical performance and research into two neglected composers, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor and Louise Farrenc.
Meet Carina, find out about her creative practice and discover what has influenced the ensemble in the comfort of the Afri-Co-LAb salon.
3, Marine Court, St Leonards, Saint Leonards-on-sea TN38 0DX, UK