About the group
Formed in 2019, the Animo Ensemble is a flexible collective of Christian musicians who are passionate about their faith and music. Although all the members were classically trained, we are at home in a variety of styles and often incorporate these into concerts. Based on the Wirral in the north west of the England, we are very happy to travel if we can.
Why “Animo”?
“Animo” means “soul or spirit” in Esperanto, the international language created by L. L. Zamenhof in the 19th Century. The ensemble is made up of several different nationalities who are all linked by God’s holy spirit living within us, we thought it an appropriate name! It also starts and ends with Alpha and Omega respectively, and therefore encompasses the quote from Revelation 21:6 found on our welcome page which reflects the message we long to share with people.
About the musicians
The main members are:
Mary– a versatile musician who as well as excelling on the French Horn, plays the piano, organ and violin. She enjoys arranging music for different ensembles and frequently arranges music for Animo. She holds two undergraduate degrees, having completed a joint course between the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) and Manchester University. Mary currently splits her time between teaching and freelancing with northern ensembles.
Ian – married to Mary. They met whilst studying at the RNCM, where Ian obtained an Undergraduate degree on Violin and a Postgraduate qualification on the Viola. He then completed a String Leadership Diploma in partnership with the Hallé Orchestra. Ian went on to earn a permanent seat with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra in 2011. Last year, he also started teaching at the Liverpool Hope University. Ian plays both violin and viola in Animo (though not at the same time!).
Lukas – born in Germany before moving to the UK aged 5. He started the violin aged 6 and went on to study at the Royal Academy of Music. He joined the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra in 2016, and became the music coordinator for Holy Trinity Spital Sunday afternoon service. Lukas is also a keen sportsman, and enjoys football, golf and cricket when he’s not practising the violin!
Myriam – grew up in France and studied the piano at the Le Mans conservatoire. She completed a degree at the RNCM. After a varied professional journey where she lived and work in France, Ukraine, Guadeloupe and even Norway (as an Arctic Tour Guide) she moved back to the UK and took up playing again, joining the music team at All Souls Langham Place, in London. Since moving to the Wirral in 2018, she has enjoyed playing at Holy Trinity Spital.