New partnership creates international training and performance opportunities for RIAM ensembles, with Dublin hosting an ECMA session during ChamberFest 2027.
The Royal Irish Academy of Music has joined the European Chamber Music Academy (ECMA), a network of conservatoires, music universities and festivals supporting the development of emerging professional chamber ensembles.
RIAM becomes an official partner from the 2026/27 season, joining institutions including the Paris Conservatoire, Vienna’s University of Music and Performing Arts, the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague and the Royal Northern College of Music.
Founded in 2004, ECMA brings young ensembles together for intensive coaching, artistic exchange and performance. Its approach combines practical music-making with lectures and workshops that encourage musicians to explore the cultural, historical and social contexts of their work.
Professor Sarah Sew, Head of Chamber Music at RIAM, said:
“Chamber music asks musicians to listen deeply, take responsibility for their own artistic ideas and discover what they can create together. Joining ECMA gives our students the opportunity to develop these skills in an international community, working closely with outstanding tutors and learning alongside ambitious ensembles from across Europe. We are particularly excited to welcome that community to Dublin during ChamberFest and to hear the musical conversations and collaborations that emerge.”
RIAM will host a Dublin ECMA Session from 26 to 30 April 2027, during the opening week of ChamberFest Dublin. Visiting international ECMA ensembles and guest tutors will join the Academy for a programme of coaching, masterclasses, lectures and concerts.
The session forms part of a ChamberFest programme exploring “Echoes of Beethoven”, marking the 200th anniversary of the composer’s death. The festival opens on 25 April with a performance from the acclaimed Chiaroscuro Quartet.
One RIAM ensemble will also be selected to attend the ECMA Session at Grafenegg, Austria, from 30 May to 6 June 2027, under Artistic Director Johannes Meissl.
Through the partnership, RIAM will contribute to an international community dedicated to chamber music, creating opportunities for its students to deepen their artistry, build relationships and develop as collaborative musicians.
Find out more about the European Chamber Music Academy.