The Callino String Quartet, formed at the West Cork Chamber Music Festival two years ago, have found an agent, writes Michael Dervan. Not in the normal way, but through an expansion of the Music Network's Musicwide Scheme, which has now grown to include a Young Musicwide performance programme. The Callinos are the first group to benefit from a scheme "designed to provide an incentive for highly talented young Irish instrumentalists to pursue professional careers in chamber music, and to provide promoters nationwide with access to the very best in emerging Irish talent".

Successful groups will participate in the scheme for periods of up to three years, and will be the beneficiaries of specially designed promotional materials (including a promotional CD) as well as expert advice on career management. If the quality of young ensembles merits it, more than one group may be selected out of the annual auditions. The first fruit of the Callino's new status is a concert in Sligo on Thursday April 5th, when they join forces with the Vogler Quartet in a performance of Mendelssohn's Octet, but with the younger group taking all the first parts.

For further information contact Music Network on 01-671 9429 or visit their website at www.musicnetwork.ie.