THE BRISTOL STRING QUARTET

Viola: Tim Harrison

Tim is a third year music student at the University of Bristol. He currently directs the University String Orchestra. He is also a viola player with the National Youth Orchestra of Wales, Sinfonia Cymru, National Chamber Orchestra of Wales, Cardiff Sinfonietta, Nidum String Quartet and Neath Chamber Orchestra in addition to participating in ensembles at the university.

In previous years he has reached the finals of the National Urdd Eisteddfod as a singer and string player. He achieved his diploma on the viola in 2004 and is working towards an LRSM as well as his degree. Tim is currently being taught by the renowned Richard Crabtree.

Violin: Tamsin Winchester

Tamsin studied at the Royal Welsh College of Music with Iwona Boesche. She was a member of the Symphony Orchestra, String Ensemble and led the Bute String Quartet. Tamsin also played with the BBC National Orcestra of Wales on a placement scheme.
 
 More biographical details to follow shortly.

We also have several standby members who play with the quartet in the event of one or more of our regular members being unavailable. These musicians have all played with the Bristol String Quartet on numerous occasions, so our high standard of performance will not be affected.

About

Violin: Andrew Barrington

Andrew studied at Trinity College of Music, London, with Ann Hooley and John Crawford and at the Royal Welsh College of Music, Cardiff, with Iwona Boesche. Whilst studying Andrew led the Rosenberg Quartet who were coached by Michael Bochmann & Nic Pendlebury, and took part in masterclasses with Georg Hadjinkos and the Vellinger Quartet.

Andrew is currently working as a freelance violinist based in Somerset, and has been booked by many clients including the BBC and Channel 4. He also teaches the violin for Swindon Music co-operative, Swindon Music Service, North Somerset Music Service, at Bridgwater College, and privately from his home in Weston-super-Mare and studio in Bristol.

Cello: Kate Robey

Kate studied at Bath Spa University with Ruth Zagni, and is now studying at the Royal Welsh College of Music with Richard May taking a post-graduate performance diploma. She was previously a student at the Junior Royal College of Music.

Kate works as a freelance cellist, performing in local orchestras and ensembles including Bath Philharmonia, and at the beginning of the year went on tour to China with the London-based Amadeus Orchestra. As a session musician, Kate has worked with bands including Kula Shaker and performs regularly with Bristol-based singer/songwriter Phil King.

Kate is also a pianist, and this year recorded for an ITV production of Jane Austen’s ‘Persuasion’. An experienced accompanist, she works at all levels from grade exams to recitals.