THE POPULAR Ensemble 360 return to Scarborough’s Stephen Joseph theatre later this month with a programme comprising Glazunov’s String Quintet, Mozart’s Violin Sonata in A K526 and Tchaikovsky’s String Quartet No.3.

Glazunov’s romantic music owes something to numerous Russian traditions: Balakirev’s nationalism, Borodin’s epic grandeur, Rimsky-Korsakov’s virtuosity and the lyrical masterof Tchaikovsky. His Quintet is as warm and irresistible and a rich chocolate fondant.

Mozart’s Violin Sonata in A was written in 1787, the same year that the composer wrote the famous Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, and it is known that Mozart accompanied the violinist Heinrich Anton Hoffman in a private performance of the piece in Mainz in 1790. The work is a true partnership of equals, with the violin and piano sharing wonderfully inventive materials. The finale is playful and uplifting, with endlessly cascading groups of quavers.

Tchaikovsky’s majestic third String Quartet has a melancholy slow movement that had the audience moved to tears at the first performance, yet it ends in a determinedly upbeat manner.

The concert will take place in the Round from 7pm on Thursday 27 April.

Ensemble 360 has gained an enviable reputation across the UK not only for the quality and integrity of the members’ playing, but also for their ability to communicate the music to a range of different audiences. Formed in 2005, 11 musicians of international standing came together to take up residency in Sheffield with Music in the Round, establishing a versatile group comprising five string players, five wind players and a pianist. The members believe in concerts being informal, friendly and relaxed occasions, and perform ‘in the round’ wherever possible. Having an audience on all four sides brings with it an intimacy and immediacy between musician and audience that other layouts cannot match.

Tickets for the Ensemble 360 concert cost £16 (with a limited number at £10, and a limited number of £3 tickets for music students). To book call the box office on 01723 370541 or visit the website: www.sjt.uk.com