Music in the Round  - May Festival 2025  

ENSEMBLE 360 - a personal portrait  

This exhibition of photographs offers a glimpse of life behind the scenes as musicians of Ensemble 360 prepare for performances in the Sheffield Chamber Music Festival. 

My privileged access to the rehearsal process, during the festivals of 2019 and 2024, aim to reveal a world that is rarely seen by audiences. 

I hope to provide a deeper understanding of the work that goes into preparing for so many performances during the festival.   

Shooting in the  available ambient light made it photographically challenging. I adopted a documentary style and all images are unposed; the musicians show no awareness of my presence. 

There are joyous moments but often rehearsals could become intense as tiredness crept in. I was fascinated by the isolated concentration of a musician and my knowledge of the music helped anticipate an expression or gesture. 

It seems appropriate to also include some performance images; a natural culmination.

There have been a few changes in the Ensemble membership since 2019 but many MitR regulars will no doubt enjoy remembering some familiar characters. 

I hope this exhibition conveys my respect and admiration for these marvellously talented and hard working musicians.

High quality mounted prints of these images are available for purchase and after production costs I am very happy to donate to MitR.

The three chosen mounted images on show in the Crucible Playhouse foyer are representative of the 500x400mm mount size. 

I can also offer a smaller A4 mount size, 210x297mm.

Images are printed with care by me on fine art Baryta paper and mounted (not framed) in a white acid free mount, ensuring longevity. All images will be titled and signed. 

500x400mm including UK postage  £75 (£50 donated to MitR)

210x297mm including UK postage  £40  (£26 donated to MitR)

To order or for any other further information please contact me directly on mnabarrophotos@gmail.com quoting the image number.

I hope you enjoy my images (best viewed on a larger screen if possible)