About us..........
The string quartet was originally formed from players in the Slaithwaite Philharmonic
Orchestra. Slaithwaite is an industrial village in the Colne Valley near Huddersfield
in the West Riding of Yorkshire.
There is a wealth of talent amongst the players, and a good selection of music is on offer; from Bach, Mozart, and Pachelbel (to name just a few) to The Beatles, Andrew Lloyd-Webber, songs from the shows, and modern pop songs. We have a large collection of songs from the 1920`s and 1930`s in our repertoire, by composers such as Irving Berlin and Cole Porter. If there are any particular songs that are very special for you, and you would like them played on your wedding day (or any other event) just let us know. We are quite happy to play any piece of music which is not already in our repertoire, given sufficient notice.
Several combinations of instruments are available in addition to the traditional string quartet, as we play several other instruments including flute, saxophone, clarinet, banjo and double bass. A favourite combination, particularly for the 1930`s style music, is to use flute, clarinet or saxophone as a solo instrument, with accompaniment from strings. We can also all play electric stringed instruments, which we occasionally use, as appropriate for the venue, the event, and the particular piece being played.
We play for weddings and functions regularly at many of our local venues, including Hazlewood Castle, Bagden Hall, Monk Fryston Hall, Rudding Park and Holdsworth House. However, we are quite happy to travel to any locations in Yorkshire or the surrounding area.
A quotation can be offered for anything from a ceremony only to a full day. Quotations are usually fully inclusive of all travel costs, public liability insurance, and any expenses incurred at the venue.
We have a regular team of five players, which enables us to be nearly always able to provide a full quartet, even if one of the five is unavailable.
David Bellwood BMus(Hons), ALCM (Violin/Viola/Banjo/Piano)
After studying music at Hull University and Manchester Polytechnic, David has worked as a peripatetic music teacher, conductor, arranger, and freelance musician. He is involved with several music schools in Leeds, and runs a music arranging business. For many years, David was leader of the viola section in Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra, and he often plays lead violin for G&S societies. David plays regularly with the St Cecilia Orchestra in Ripon, the Hallgate Chamber Orchestra in Doncaster, and the Yorkshire-based Palm Court Dance Orchestra.
Graham Macpherson GDCLCM (Violin/Flute/Clarinet/Saxophone)
Graham was formerly a Royal Marines musician, learning his trade at the Royal Marine School of Music in Deal. Graham served on HMS Hermes and HMS Lion, finishing his service on the Royal Yacht Britannia. Following service life, Graham then spent some time in the ships orchestra on the SS Empress of Canada, before joining the London-based Eric Winston Orchestra. He now teaches violin, clarinet, flute and saxophone; and plays professionally in jazz bands and orchestras.
Jennifer Nicks BMus(Hons), PG Dip RNCM (`Cello/Violin/Viola/Double Bass)
Jenny was born in 1976 into a musical family, her father being able to play and teach virtually any instrument (although predominantly a viola player and organist), and her mother being a `cello teacher. In a house brimming with all sorts of instruments, Jenny was spoiled for choice as to which one to play. She started to learn the `cello at the age of eight, taught (of course) by her mother. In 1992, she took up the double bass, and gained Grade 8 with distinction two years later. Jenny was a finalist in the Young Musician of Man Competition in July 1995. In 1995, she went to study music at Huddersfield University, and joined both the Slaithwaite and Huddersfield Philharmonic Orchestras. She has been principal double bass with the Slaithwaite Philharmonic since 1998. After graduating, Jenny proceeded to two further years of study at the Royal Northern College of Music. Jenny now enjoys a career as a freelance musician, playing with ensembles ranging from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra to Ian Tracey`s Liverpool Cathedral Baroque Soloists.
Carla Measures (Violin, Viola)
Carla is an experienced musician who was born in Leicestershire and began her musical career with violin lessons at the age of 9. Following a series of successful auditions, she became a member of a number of local orchestras in the Leicestershire area forming part of the country’s leading Youth Orchestra scheme. Leaving Leicester to begin her music degree at the University of Huddersfield under the instruction of the Orchestra of Opera North’s Peter Maslin and Viv Campbell; Carla seized the opportunity to learn the viola, going on to lead the viola section of the University of Huddersfield Symphony Orchestra and taking the role of principal viola in the Cadenza Quartet. Following successful completion of her degree, Carla has performed viola which is now her principal instrument, with a variety of ensembles including the Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra, the Huddersfield Operatic Society and the Huddersfield Gilbert and Sullivan Society. In 2007, she embarked on two years of further study at the University of Huddersfield, recently completing her MMus degree.
Katie Allen (Violin, Viola)
Katie is a very experienced orchestral and chamber music musician, having played both violin and viola with many local orchestras including the Slaithwaite Philharmonic, Hallgate Chamber Orchestra, Leeds University Orchestra, and The St Cecilia Orchestra. She also often plays with another local string quartet as well as with Musica Viva. Since 2003, Katie has been a member of The Palm Court Dance Orchestra, a West Yorkshire based band specialising in the performance of 1920`s and 1930`s music in the British Dance Band style.
In the event of more than one player not being available for an engagement, we have a regular team of deputies
who are experienced players, and are used to playing with our quartet.
Also available is our Palm Court Ensemble specialising in music from the 1920`s to 1940`s; ideal for concerts, wedding anniversaries, parties, etc. Click here for more information.
For more information, or to book the quartet, please
click here to use our
ONLINE ENQUIRY FORM
or telephone: 01423 324276