Mr McFall's Chamber

Renowned for their innovative approach to programming and stylistic plurality, Mr McFall's Chamber have been described as 'the jewel in the Scottish musical crown' (The Scotsman), and lauded as 'potentially the most important single development on the Scottish music scene for a long time' (The Herald). The ensemble plays a range of music from tango through jazz and rock to contemporary classical, taking in quite a lot besides. It consists of string quartet, bass, piano, percussion and sometimes vocals - and more as required. The group's aim is always to create new audiences, new music and new directions in music.

‘Why can’t all concerts be like this - engaging, witty, relaxed, sophisticated, exquisitely played and just plain fun?’ (The Times)

The last two years have been very busy for the group, with the release of four new albums on Delphian Records. These include a programme of music by Martyn Bennett and Fraser Fifield ('Birds and Beasts'), a recording of Gavin Bryars' Eight Irish Madrigals with Susan Hamilton and Nicholas Mulroy, and a live recording of our collaboration with renowned Scottish singer/songwriter Michael Marra. In April 2011 McFalls also recorded Alexander McCall Smith and Tom Cunningham's opera, The Okavango Macbeth, arranged for ensemble by Robert McFall. All of these are available to listen to and to buy on our Recordings page.

In 2011, McFalls commissioned four new works from composers under 30, as well as new commissions by Tim Garland and Martin Kershaw. Two of these, Martin Suckling's What shall I give and Martin Kershaw's Closing In, were shortlisted as finalists for the British Composer Awards 2011.

Early 2012 saw a first for Edinburgh with a tango ball held in Greyfriars Kirk, with three of Europe's finest tango musicians - Valetina Montoya Martinez, Cyril Garac and Victor Villena. The programme was subsequently recorded for a new CD, to be released on Delphian Records in late 2012. In May, McFalls will be touring Scotland with Four Corners, a programme of new commissions from Aidan O'Rourke, Fraser Fifield, James Ross and Corrina Hewat, celebrating Scotland's traditional music. There will also be a new programme of music from the Baltic in early August, and further performances of Gavin Bryars' Eight Irish Madrigals with a new commission from Joel Rust.

Keep an eye on the Gigs page for more details of all upcoming events.