Rachel Ellis, violin
Ellie Blackshaw, violin/viola
Ros Hanson-Laurent, viola
Siriol Hugh-Jones, cello
Stephen Carroll-Turner, piano
Programme
Edward Elgar (1857–1934)
Quintet in A minor for Piano and String Quartet, Op. 84
I. Moderato – Allegro
II. Adagio
III. Andante – Allegro
Biographies
Rachel Ellis (violin) won a scholarship to the Royal College of Music, then worked with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and the Dove String quartet. Rachel has taught at Christ’s Hospital School and co-led the Horsham Symphony Orchestra for many years, performing the Elgar, Sibelius and Brahms concertos with them. She also plays in the Kelleth piano trio.
Following a formal musician's training at the RCM in the 80s, Ellie Blackshaw (violin/viola) has worked as teacher and performer in and around Brighton. As violinist/violist she enjoys working as a chamber musician with the very fine musicians in the area. She lives in Brighton with husband Spike Wells [Jazz Drummer and Priest] and a feisty grey cat.
Ros Hanson-Laurent (viola) studied at RNCM before working in Bermuda for the Menuhin Foundation. She was head of strings at Benenden School for many years and currently teaches at Roedean College. Until recently she was principal viola of the Sussex Symphony Orchestra with whom she performed the Walton Concerto.
Siriol Hugh-Jones (cello) studied in Moscow and was a member of Dartington Festival Orchestra for about 10 years. She co-founded both the Montpellier Cello Quartet (which recorded and toured with jazz singer Claire Martin) and the Brighton Chamber Ensemble.
Stephen Carroll-Turner (piano) studied music at Edinburgh University. He subsequently worked for Bosendorfer Pianos as UK concert technician and now has a busy career as a piano technician and restorer, specialising in action redesign. He is a member of various chamber groups including the Brighton Chamber Ensemble and the Kelleth Piano Trio.