Enduring
Over sixty years of music-making.
About The Nash Ensemble
One of Britain’s leading chamber ensembles.
Biography
The Nash Ensemble, resident chamber ensemble at Wigmore Hall, is widely regarded as a standard-bearer of British music-making, acclaimed by The Independent as a ‘chamber music group beyond compare.’
Renowned for the exceptional calibre of its musicians, the ensemble has built an international reputation for visionary programming. Its vast repertoire ranges from classical masterpieces and neglected gems to the avant-garde. Founded in 1964 by the late Amelia Freedman CBE, the group is a major champion of contemporary music, having premiered over 300 new works, including 215 bespoke commissions, creating a vital living legacy.
The Ensemble presents a celebrated annual series at Wigmore Hall, performs worldwide, and maintains an award-winning discography on labels including Hyperion and Onyx. Accolades include two Royal Philharmonic Society Ensemble Awards and a Gramophone Classical Music Award.
What makes Nash distinctive
The Nash Ensemble’s distinctive identity is rooted in a spirit of exploration, close musical collaboration and a commitment to performances that remain fresh, meaningful and enduring.
Adventurous
Classical masterworks to contemporary commissions.
Collaborative
A flexible collective of outstanding musicians.
…thrilling ensemble playing and infectious musicianship.
— Classical Music Daily
The Artistic Directors
Led by Adrian Brendel and Simon Crawford-Phillips, The Nash Ensemble is building on its remarkable legacy while looking firmly to the future.
Adrian Brendel
One of the most versatile and original cellists of his generation, Adrian Brendel has travelled the world as soloist, collaborator and teacher. His early immersion in the core classical repertoire inspired an enduring fascination that has led to encounters with many fine musicians at the world’s most prestigious festivals and concert halls. His discovery of contemporary music through the works of Kurtag, Kagel and Ligeti in his teenage years opened a new and vital avenue that he continues to explore with huge enthusiasm alongside his passion for jazz and world music. In 2014 he became a member of the The Nash Ensemble.
Simon Crawford-Phillips
Simon Crawford-Phillips is a pianist, conductor, and creative programmer known for his adventurous musicianship. Passionate about contemporary music, he has premiered works by Thomas Adès, Steve Reich, and Mark-Anthony Turnage. As Chief Conductor of Västerås Sinfonietta (2016–2028), he has conducted the Stockholm Philharmonic, NDR Elbphilharmonie, and Swedish Chamber Orchestra, as well as debuts at the Royal Swedish Opera.
A prolific chamber musician with The Nash Ensemble, Kungsbacka Piano Trio, and Colin Currie Group, Simon records for BIS, Hyperion, and Deutsche Grammophon. Collaborators include Pekka Kuusisto and Anne Sofie von Otter. He is Artistic Director of SNOA at Gothenburg University, Change Music Festival, and co-director of Wye Valley Chamber Music Festival.
Meet the Musicians
Recent and regular players
Simon Crawford-Phillips
PianoAlasdair Beatson
PianoPhilippa Davies
FluteGareth Hulse
OboeRichard Hosford
ClarinetUrsula Leveaux
BassoonRichard Watkins
HornPhilip Cobb
TrumpetStephen Waarts
ViolinStephanie Gonley
ViolinBenjamin Nabarro
ViolinJonathan Stone
ViolinLawrence Power
ViolaLars Anders Tomter
ViolaRachel Roberts
ViolaAdrian Brendel
CelloGemma Rosefield
CelloGraham Mitchell
Double bassLucy Wakeford
HarpChris Brannick
Percussion
A Remarkable History
Founded in 1964 by Amelia Freedman, The Nash Ensemble has helped shape the landscape of chamber music for more than sixty years. Its story includes hundreds of commissions, an extensive discography, collaborations with many of the world’s leading composers and performers, and a lasting influence on musical life in the UK and beyond.
Read the full history Explore Commissions & Premieres
See Nash in action
Experience the energy, artistry and collaboration that have defined The Nash Ensemble for more than sixty years.
View Concerts