The Cantilena Festival on Islay follows the Ethos of the original group, to develop new and specific sounds and styles of playing both corporate and individual in an atmosphere and environment away from the pressures of a professional musician’s life.

All the musicians of the original Cantilena, which was formed in 1970, have gone on to achieve much distinction in major positions in the musical world. All five string professionals involved in Cantilena Festival on Islay were core members of the original group and are driven by a powerful desire to share their ideas and passionate love of music making with the emerging generation.