About us..........
The string quartet was originally formed from players in the Slaithwaite Philharmonic
Orchestra. Graham was not a member of the orchestra, but David and
Alfi have both played in his dance band (now run by David), and Graham was a
colleague of Alfi`s when she was a peripatetic music teacher.
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 and songs from the shows. 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 all play several other instruments. A favourite combination, particularly for the 1930`s style music, is to use flute, clarinet or saxophone as a solo instrument, with accompaniment from banjo and strings. We can also all play electric stringed instruments, which we often 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 the North of England.
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.
As we also play other instruments, we can also offer mixed quartets including flute, saxophone, clarinet, banjo, double bass and piano. Why not have a quartet at your wedding to add that special touch to your special day!
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. He is chairman of Batley Big Band and Jazz Club.
Alfreda Glendenning ARCM (Viola/Violin/Piano)
As well as being our regular viola player, Alfi is also a pianist. Alfi has a wealth of experience, having taught music in Giggleswick, also in East Yorkshire, and at various schools in the Huddersfield area. She has been musical director of various operatic productions. Alfi was the principal conductor of a local amateur orchestra in Huddersfield for 15 years, and for many years played alongside David on the first desk of the viola section of Slaithwaite Philharmonic. Alfi also plays with many of the surrounding orchestras for concerts, G&S societies, and is a very active member of the Halifax Square Chapel Piano Club. She teaches privately piano, violin, viola and recorder.
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.
In the event of any 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.
For more information, or to book the quartet, please
click here to use our
ONLINE ENQUIRY FORM
or telephone: 01423 324276