The ConTempo string quartet has been selected as Galway's new ensemble-in-residence. The group will be the cornerstone of a new music development programme for the city and county and is expected to be involved in an extensive range of activities including performances, concerts, workshops and outreach activity. As the first full-time professional ensemble to be truly 'resident' in the day-to-day sense in Galway, they are expected to be an inspirational presence in the city and county.

The ConTempo Quartet (Bogdan Sofei, first violin, Ingrid Nicola, second violin, Andreea Banciu, viola and Adrian Mantu, cello) was formed in 1995 at the Music University in Bucharest, Romania. They have studied with the Amadeus Quartet in Germany, with Rainer Schmidt from the Hagen Quartet, with David Takeno and Tom Rolston at the Banff Centre for the Arts in Canada, with Piero Farulli in Italy and with the Alban Berg Quartet at the Britten-Pears School for Advanced Music Studies in England. In September 1999 at the invitation of Siegmund Nissel, the quartet took up the Chamber Music Fellowship at the Royal Academy of Music in London, enabling them to develop their skills in tuition and coaching. The group has performed extensively internationally and has won awards in several of the major international string quartet competitions.

Speaking of their appointment, the quartet said, 'Being Galway Ensemble-in-Residence is everything an artist could wish for. A programme of this nature allows us to improve and develop our musical and technical abilities and concentrate really seriously on our work. It provides us with a place to think, work and perform'. The Chairperson of Galway Ensemble-in-Residence, Ruan Ó Bric said, 'The presence of a young internationally-renowned string quartet such as ConTempo in Galway will contribute enormously to the cultural vibrancy of the region.'

The residency is supported by a partnership of the National University of Ireland, Galway; TG4 (the national Irish-language TV station based in the region); and the Arts Council, with additional funding from Galway City Council and Galway County Council. NUI Galway is providing working space for the group and TG4 will provide promotional support.