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Maxiimiliano Martin holding a clarinet. The back of his head is in shadow
The Cumnock Tryst presents

The Cumnock Tryst Ensemble launch

Brand new group of exquisite musicians set to bring The Tryst to new highs

Part of The Cumnock Tryst Festival 2024

Classical Music

The Cumnock Tryst is delighted to present the official launch of our new chamber group The Cumnock Tryst Ensemble. Created with cellist Christian Elliott, this is a flexible ensemble consisting of some of Scotland’s finest musicians who have had an association with us over the last few years.

The ensemble will give performances, here and elsewhere, of chamber music, old and new, and will participate in many of our community and education projects in the area. As The Tryst is a composer-led festival, the ensemble will have a special focus on composers of our own era and especially the growing “school of Cumnock.” James MacMillan has commissioned and mentored a number of young, up-and-coming composers many of whom are actually from Ayrshire.

These two inaugural recitals are a clear example of Christian Elliott’s vision and intentions, including music by Olivier Messiaen, Elliot Carter, Rebecca Clarke, James MacMillan and Frank Bridge.

Runtime: 1 hour, 10 mins.


Gordon Bragg violin
Scott Dickinson viola
Christian Elliott cello
Maximiliano Martin clarinet
Simon Smith piano

Gillian Walker White Room
John Lennon and Paul McCartney arr Christian Elliott Let It Be
John Lennon and Paul McCartney arr Christian Elliott Blackbird / Le Merle Nior
Rebecca Clarke Lullaby and Grotesque
Messiaen Quartet for the End of Time IV – Intermezzo
Harrison Birtwistle Ostinato with Melody
Frank Bridge Phantasy for Piano Quartet
Elliot Carter Gra
Lisa Robertson Deglaciation
James MacMillan Piano Trio No. 2

“I’m delighted that The Tryst now has its own chamber ensemble. The programme for their first concert shows the energy, enthusiasm and innovation they will bring to future performances. I’m especially delighted that we will hear music by young Scottish composers Lisa Robertson and Gillian Walker.”

Sir James MacMillan