Meliora Quartet

Kate O’Shea, Cillian O’ Cathasaigh [violin], Kseniia Yershova [viola] Oscar Casey [cello]

The Meliora Quartet was founded in September 2024 under the guidance of Christopher Marwood at the MTU Cork School of Music. The group features Kate O’Shea and Cillian O’ Cathasaigh on violin, Kseniia Yershova on viola, and Oscar Casey on cello.

The quartet has already performed concerts in various venues around Cork and Kerry, including the National String Quartet Foundation Concerts in Kinsale, Kenmare and Youghal, the “Vanbrugh and Friends” Gala concert. They also opened the Vanbrugh Concert as part of FUAIM at UCC, Aula Maxima.

The name “Meliora” comes from the Latin word for “improvement”, an idea that lies at the heart of the quartet’s identity. Stemming from this concept, the group greatly enjoys playing and sharing music they have thoroughly explored together.

The Meliora quartet is thrilled to be performing at the West Cork Chamber Music Festival this year, and is looking forward to showcasing a dynamic programme featuring meaningful works by Beethoven and Janáček – a challenging and expressive repertoire that reflects their artistic vision.