Quintessential Quartet

The Musicians The Quintessential Quartet comprises musicians whose careers have taken them across Europe and Scandinavia and as far a field as Australia, the U.S.A., the Far East and Japan.The leader, Laurence Rowden-Martin has made several solo recordings and has been 'leader of many orchestras including the European Symphony Orchestra, and the Australian Chamber Orchestra with which he was initially engaged as co-soloist with Nigel Kennedy. He has performed as soloist in many of the world's top venues, including New York's Carnegie Hall and Sydney Opera House.The other members of the quartet have been principals of many prestigious orchestras including the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and Welsh National Opera.As well as being classical performers, the players all have a strong interest in light music and were leader and section principals of the English Philharmonic Orchestra, one of Britain's leading light music orchestras until its demise in 1996. They have played on the Orient Express and on many exclusive cruises around the world.The Quintessential Quartet is a popular choice to add the finishing touch to many kinds of functions:

Weddings

We can provide music for the ceremony, whether in church or elsewhere, for the entrance of the bride, signing of the register or any part of the service. We will serenade you during cocktails and / or play throughout your meal.

Corporate Entertainment

Pre-dinner cocktails, and/or background music during dinner.

Special Occasions

Birthday parties, anniversaries or any excuse .....

The Music

The Quintessential Quartet prides itself on its expertise in selecting suitable programmes to complement the atmosphere and mood of a specific event, with the flexibility to meet the client's own particular requirements whenever possible - we recently arranged Karma Chameleon for Boy George!

Repertoire includes:

Popular Classical Masterpieces

Mozart - Eine Kleine Nachtmusik
Other pieces ad infinitum!
Bach - Air on the G string (and more)
Handel - Queen of Sheba
Water Musik
Celebrated Largo
Pachelbel - Canon
Vivaidi - Four Seasons
Boccherini - Minuet
Elgar - Salut d’Amour
Chanson du Matin
Ravel - Bolero
Schubert - Serenade
Famous Operatic Arias
Mozart - Marriage of Figaro
Don Giovanni
Puccini - Madame Butterfly
Nessun Dorma
Rossini - Barber of Seville
Verdi - La Traviata

Light Music

Scott Joplin - The Entertainer, and others
Lloyd Webber - Memory, and others
Hits from the Shows
Operetta - Gilbert & Sullivan, Merry Widow...
Strauss Waltzes
Karma Chameleon!

The Quintessential Quartet was formed in 1990 specifically to provide background music for elite functions. it has performed at most of the stately homes of England, many fine hotels and at major events of The Season.The quartet prides itself on its elegant presentation, both musical and visual, and chooses music carefully to fit the mood of the occasion.

Highlights include...

Private functions for the Royal Family
Boy George's private l999 birthday party
Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire
Castle Ashby with Rory Bremner
Brooklands Motor Museum
Spencer House on its re-opening after refurbishment
The Eclipse - official function in Torquay
Regular enquiries for The Dorchester, The Savoy, The Grosvenor House