The Holywell Ensemble was formed in 1983, taking its name from Oxford's Holywell Music Room, Europe's oldest purpose-built concert hall, opened in 1748, and a favoured concert venue of Handel, Haydn, Mozart and many others. It was here that the ensemble gave some of its early concerts. Originally a piano quartet, (the ensemble's pianist is Margaret Ozanne), the group has since expanded to include other instruments, and the versatililty of these different combinations results in a broad range of repertoire, from Mozart to Messiaen and beyond.   The Holywell Ensemble specialises in the performance of British chamber music and has released several CDs featuring these works, including the piano trios of John Ireland and music by Herbert Howells and Benjamin Britten's teacher, Frank Bridge, as well as recordings of the music of Brahms, Fauré and others. The Ensemble has performed in the UK, Greece and many other countries. Following their very successful appearance at the 2008 Levoča Festival, the Holywell Ensemble return with a programme of music including Brahms, Suk, and the Bratislava-born composer Hummel, as well as Mahler's rarely-heard early movement for piano quartet.

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