Patrick Kiernan

Patrick studied the violin with Frances Mason at the Royal College of Music from 1980 to 1984.

While still a student he formed, with Robert Irvine, the Brindisi Quartet and remained with the group until its dissolution in 1999.  The Quartet was formed during a Summer course at the Britten-Pears School in Suffolk, and made regular appearances at the Aldeburgh Festival throughout its career.  It was here that the group had the privilege to study with such artists as Hugh Maguire, William Pleeth and The LaSalle, Prague and Guarneri Quartets.  They also built a close relationship with the composer Colin Matthews who wrote his 3rd quartet for the Brindisi and was a mentor for much of their work in the field of new music.  Colin was producer for their recording of all four Frank Bridge string quartets, which was nominated for a Gramophone award.

Patrick was a regular member of The Academy of St Martin-in the-fields from 1988-1996 working closely with violinists Iona Brown and Kenneth Sillito as well as Sir Neville Marriner.  He has also guested frequently with contemporary music specialists, the London Sinfonietta.

In recent years Patrick has divided his time between his work as a studio session-muscian in London and numerous chamber ensembles.  He plays on a beautiful 18th Century Italian violin, at least part of which is attributed to Ceruti.