Newry Chamber Music has relocated its operations to the Quays following the closure of the Newry Arts Centre. The move took place in September and the organisation has since held several pop-up concerts at the new venue.

Joanne Quigley McParland and her brother David founded the society in the 1990s. Both trained as professional musicians in England before Joanne returned to Ireland in 2006. She now works as a violinist and teacher while running the organisation full time.

The Fews Ensemble serves as the resident group and marks its tenth anniversary this year. Regular members include Norwegian cellist Jonathan Osgaard, viola player Rose Redgrave, clarinettist Francesco Paolo Scola, and singers Aaron O'Hare and Maire Flavin.

Warrenpoint Town Hall remains the main performance space because of its acoustic qualities. The group also stages events at the Carlingford Heritage Centre and other venues between Newry and Warrenpoint.

In the past year the organisation delivered 60 events. The core series consists of eight concerts. Additional programmes include masterclasses with visiting artists, an open platform for young performers preparing for exams, and a schools project that has reached more than 4,000 children.

The group performed at 25 care homes last year. A film-music concert is scheduled for May, a Bloomsday event for 16 June and a candlelight concert for 20 June.

Joanne Quigley McParland said the move to the Quays has increased visibility and attracted new audiences. She noted that the society now receives requests from agents worldwide and continues to present classical music with spoken introductions to make it more accessible.