Established in 2002, the Cambria String Quartet is one of the finest, most experienced quartets in the region.

Hello, and welcome to Cambria String Quartet. We are Claudine and Tanwen, and we run the quartet together.

In terms of both musical quality and levels of service, the Cambria String Quartet is one of the finest around, and we take a lot of pride in our work – we simply wouldn’t do it otherwise. Further down this page you’ll find a selection of the players who play for the quartet – all handpicked professionals with a wealth of playing and recording experience.

All that talent wouldn’t mean a thing however, without great customer service. From finding that obscure Metallica piece to liaising with the venue on the best place to sit, we’ve got it covered. Actually, with very nearly 20 years experience, we’ve played in pretty much every venue in South Wales, so we know the people and the spaces and we can help you picture how the quartet can fit into your special day.

From Mozart to Metallica

Specialising in contemporary wedding music

A quartet can play so many different styles, you really couldn't ask for anything more. Add some modern style to your day.

It’s been a few years since my wedding, and whilst I couldn’t tell you what kind of flowers we had, the memories of the music are still vivid! Live music really transforms a gathering into an event, leaving a lasting memory for both you, and your guests.

The beauty of a string quartet – four bowed stringed instruments – is that we produce a full sound which can ‘sustain’ the notes, with the acoustic control to be able to play as softly or as strongly as needed. We can also play outdoors (in suitable weather) and our sound will still carry due to the nature of the instruments.

A good string quartet has the versatility to play any style you desire. Several styles convert very well into string quartet arrangements – jazz/swing, heavy metal, pop, ballads, and folk. We can also accompany the guests at churches for the hymn singing.

Over the years, we’ve built up a vast repertoire of music, classical, film and jazz – but primarily, modern, contemporary music. Please see our playlists for an up-to-date list of all we have. If you can’t see what you want, please get in touch to discuss your requirements.

Many of the arrangements I’ve written myself, some by players, and thanks to the Internet, many are bought from a number of trusted suppliers from across the world. Where we buy them in, we’ll review for quality, and where they don’t make the cut they’ll be re-worked to meet our high standards. Please bear in mind, whilst other quartets might have the same music as us, they will often not be to the same standard.

Our Players

Violin

Tanwen Evans
Tanwen is a graduate of the Royal College of Music. As a freelancer, she has played in many orchestras and chamber groups, including Welsh Sinfonia, National Symphony Orchestra and New Queen's Hall Orchestra, performing at venues such as St James Palace and Wigmore Hall, London.

Helina Rees
A graduate of the Royal Academy of Music and a former leader of the National Youth Orchestra of Wales, Helina has been involved with music most of her life. She collaborates with singer/songwriters and is a member of the upcoming folk group Elfen.

Jon Davies

Jon is an excellent violinist with a beautiful sound, and we love working with him! His long list of achievements includes performing with many orchestras and chamber groups, but doesn’t yet include sending us his Biography :)

Viola

Niamh Ferris
Aside from working with the Mavron Quartet, Niamh has worked with the Northern Ballet and many freelance orchestras. Niamh's diverse music career has included teaching Benedict Cumberbatch the fundamentals of playing the violin for his lead part as Sherlock Holmes.

Barry Friend
After graduating from the Royal College of Music, Barry freelanced in England and Portugal. He has worked with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra amongst several others, before joining the Welsh National Opera in 1999. He takes charge of the WNO Orchestra's tea urn facility whilst on tour!

Cello

Claudine Cassidy
Claudine, a graduate from the RWCMD and Post-Graduate from the Royal College of Music in London, has performed in a variety of styles including Theatre and Dance. She is currently working as a freelance player with many orchestras and chamber groups.