The Erda Ensemble

marta fontanals-simmons (Mezzo-soprano)

chloE vincent (flute)

olivia jageurs (harp)

The Erda Ensemble was created in response to a performance of Mahler’s Das Lied Von Der Erde at the Roman River Festival. Inspired by the wonderful combination of mezzo soprano, flute and harp in Mahler’s Der Abschied, Marta Fontanals-Simmons, Chloë Vincent and Olivia Jageurs subsequently discovered a shared passion for story-telling and rediscovering neglected works for this unusual combinations of instruments. The Ensemble were invited to perform their first concert at the Roman River Festival the following year, an evening championing music by women composers, performing music by Rosy Wertheim, Cecile Chaminade, Grace Williams and Ina Boyle. Erda are constant innovators, arranging repertoire to suit their forces alongside performing music not yet published, as well performing new works by living composers. Erda have recently appeared on BBC Radio 3’s In Tune and BBC News. Recent and upcoming engagements includes performances at Leeds Song Festival, Presteigne Festival, Debenham Chamber Music Festival, Music at Malling and the University of Manchester Concert Series as well as a return to Roman River Festival. This year they will perform world premieres by Taylor-Leigh Payne and James Francis Brown. The Erda Ensemble is a collaborative and flexible ensemble with three founding members: Marta Fontanals-Simmons (voice), Chloë Vincent (flute) and Olivia Jageurs (harp).