/String Quartet

Hull University’s string quartet are a self-assured and adaptable four-piece consisting of cello, double violin and viola. Formed less than a year ago; Matthew, Laura, Angharad, and Gemma have already been asked to hold performances at the Ferens art gallery and Cave Castle as well as in Hull’s own city hall. Experienced at functions and engagements they formerly collaborated with the university’s previous quartet and attended master classes at the Royal Northern College of Music. All four are knowledgeable across a broad range of musical genres and have a passion for live performance, pieces they have covered in the past include everything from Beethoven to Bon Jovi via Gershwin and Muse; they are ideal for weddings and business functions and adventurous enough for anything else.

Matthew Moore is studying for a Bachelor of Music at the university and is experienced as principle second violin in both West Wiltshire and Wiltshire and Swindon Youth Orchestras as well as Hull University’s own. He has given accomplished concerto performances of Bruch’s Kol Nidrei and Vivaldi’s Double Cello Concierto and has performed solo recitals in the Wiltshire Music Centre and recently at Middleton Hall. Amongst his many other playing appearances are a period with Hull Gilbert and Sullivan Society’s orchestra, Hessle Sinfonia and Hull Early Music ensemble performing baroque cello. He has also provided pit work for many of the university,s productions including Gormenghast (2009), A Christmas Carol (2009) and Three Sisters (2010).

Laura Eggleshaw is studying for a Bachelor of Arts in Drama and Music and was previously the principle second violin in the Nottingham Youth Orchestra and the Larkin String Quartet. While at university she has played key roles in its orchestra, firstly as principle second violin and now as co-leader, and has also performed with Boston Sinfonia, Southwell Choral Society, at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and last year’s Symphony for Yorkshire. Much like Matthew and Angharad she has provided accompaniment for various student productions throughout her studies including Once Upon A Rhyme (2009) and was a soloist performing the Bach Double Violin Concerto in Middleton Hall.

Angharad Thomas is studying for a Bachelor of Music and also played principle second violin whilst currently assuming co-leadership of the university’s orchestra. She previously played lead with the Gilbert and Sullivan Society and has worked with Hessle Sinfonia, Hull Early Music ensemble and provided musical accompaniment for a two and a half hour adaptation of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol as well as performing Bach’s Double Violin Concerto alongside Laura in an extremely accomplished and well received recital.

Gemma Cross plays both viola and third violin in the quartet and is principle viola in the university orchestra; she has played in the Usher Quartet previously and has worked with the Hull Philarmonic Orchestra as well as singing with the Hull University Big Band after accruing much experience as a music teacher in the Universidad de Seville giving both viola and ensemble coaching.

The four offer professional, friendly and accomplished accompaniment to make any function an individual and memorable experience; with an already extensive repertoire they provide talent as well as experience. Also skilled at arrangements Matthew can adapt most popular or classical music to specially fit the occasion with only two to three weeks notice needed for classical and never any longer than six for all other genres. The iHull offices can match with suitable singers if necessary.

Hourly rate: One hour £200 (£50 each)

Contact Number: Katie Manasse, Music Department, University of Hull 01482 465998