Presented by the Department of Music and the Cervantes Institute
Duo Folclore
Folk–classical violin duo Alice Barron and Fuensanta Zambrana Ruiz explore a rich palette of traditional music, folk-inspired classical duets and improvisation. In collaboration with Instituto Cervantes Manchester, they present a programme of Spanish and Latin American music. Duo Folclore create their own arrangements of folk songs and flamenco-inspired compositions, alongside works by Manuel de Falla, Astor Piazzolla, and Federico García Lorca, whose artistic voices were all deeply rooted in folk traditions.
Duo Folclore has performed in the UK and internationally, including appearances at the Birmingham European Festival and the Palestine Festival. Alice and Fuensanta met while studying as postgraduates at the Royal Academy of Music in 2009. They began their journey by exploring their English and Spanish musical roots, alongside the duets of Béla Bartók, Luciano Berio, and Gra?yna Bacewicz. Their work explores the violin in its many facets, incorporating extended techniques, percussive textures, and vocals to create a multidimensional sound world. In 2018, Duo Folclore premiered Article 14 for Two Singing Violinists, a commissioned work by Stef Conner written specifically for their ensemble. Based in London, these soulful musicians actively pioneer contemporary, boundary-crossing music.
“We celebrate everything surrounding the violin and invite you on a musical journey that blurs the boundaries between improvisation, folksong, and classical music.”?— Alice Barron
Alice Barron
Alice Barron is a violinist–composer whose style sits at the intersection of classical, folk, and new music. She performs internationally with artists including Nigel Kennedy, Quincy Jones, Talvin Singh, and Sam Lee, as well as with London Sinfonietta and at Shakespeare’s Globe in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Measure for Measure. Alice uses improvisation as a compositional tool and is a founding member of the alt-folk band iyatraQuartet, whose three albums have been featured on BBC Radio 3 and 6.
Fuensanta Zambrana Ruiz
Born in Spain, Fuensanta Zambrana Ruiz is a violinist whose work bridges classical music, Spanish folk traditions, and contemporary practice. She performs with the chamber ensemble Bernardi Music Group and collaborates closely with flamenco artists, bringing traditional flamenco playing into new musical contexts. Her work with the Lourdes Fernández Flamenco Company includes the projects Raíces and Orígenes, created with support from the Arts Council England and toured widely across the UK. Recent performances include BBC Radio 3 and major UK venues such as the Royal Concert Hall in Birmingham, St George’s Hall in Bristol, and the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff.
The Thursday lunchtime concerts are part of the Walter Carroll Lunchtime Concert Series, which is supported by the Ida Carroll Trust. They provide a wide-ranging programme to suit all tastes and are an ideal opportunity to enjoy great music performed by outstanding musicians.
No booking required – the concerts are free to attend and seats are unreserved. Just turn up on the day!
