About Us
We are a highly accomplished, top quality String Quartet, widely recognised as one of the finest in the South West of England. We have studied at Europe’s top Conservatoires and have accumulated decades of high quality professional work between us. The Four Seasons String Quartet was formed in 2004 and since then has gone from strength to strength. Our beautiful playing has enhanced hundreds of weddings and other events and we look forward to being a part of your special occasion too.
Why Choose Us
Professional
We are trained musicians and have worked with top orchestras. You can relax knowing that we have the experience and ability to add what’s needed to your event.
Efficient
We pride ourselves on a speedy and efficient booking service, giving immediate quotes and making the whole process as simple as possible from start to finish.
Personal Touch
We are always available to discuss the important details regarding your event, and are happy to make recommendations regarding timings and choosing repertoire to suit your occasion.
Huge repertoire
We have a huge and ever expanding repertoire of music to suit every occasion. If we don’t already have your favourite music, we can get it arranged.
Reliable
We are reliable, smart, friendly and efficient. You are in safe hands!
Our Players
We are all experienced session musicians and The Four Seasons String Quartet can be heard on numerous film and TV soundtracks such as the BBC’s very popular ‘House Through Time’ series, ‘Countryfile’ and ‘Queen Victoria’s Children.’ Our first violin’s exquisitely haunting sound can be heard accompanying the BBC’s Bafta nominated documentary ‘Children of the Holocaust.’
Individually our professional experiences range from performing in the BBC Proms with the London Symphony Orchestra to playing in the Orchestra of the West End Production of ‘Les Miserables
Lindsay Braga
Violin
Lindsay studied at the Royal Northern Collage of Music with Richard Deakin, and carried on her studies afterwards with Zhou Li. Over the next ten years, she worked as a first violinist with many orchestras including the BBC Philharmonic, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, the Welsh National Opera, the English National Ballet, the Goldberg Ensemble and Manchester Camerata. Lindsay has always been a committed violin teacher, and has given workshops as part of the education department at the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and taught at the Royal Northern Collage of Music Junior Department. Since her move to Devon, Lindasy has become a sought after chamber music player.
Cathryn McCracken
Viola
Cathryn won an Exhibition to study at the Royal College of Music in 1982, graduating in 1986, the winner of the coveted Cecil Aronowitz prize for Post Graduate study. Her first job was with the BBC Radio Orchestra and she went on to build a very busy and successful freelance career spanning the next 20 years. She has played with most of the major London Orchestras including the Philharmonia and the London Festival Orchestra and has enjoyed many Ballet seasons touring and playing in the Coliseum and Royal Opera House with the Birmingham Royal Ballet Sinfonia. Cathryn has also played in many West End shows including Oliver, Love Never Dies, and the long running Les Miserable and The Phantom of the Opera. In 2006 Cathryn moved to Devon with her young family where she happily joined The Four Seasons String Quartet and began playing with the Ten Tors Orchestra.
Steve Banks
Violin
Steve started his professional life as a freelance violinist based in London, playing with many top orchestras and ensembles, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Chamber Orchestra of Europe and the Kreisler String Orchestra. He has been for many years a member of the Carnival Band, best known for their Christmas tours with folk legend Maddy Prior. Steve plays with the Peninsular Arts Symphonia and teaches violin and piano. Between 2010 – 2013 Steve formed a local folk-acoustic band, Blue Jewel, who released two albums, Dart Songs, and John Smart’s Bottle. He plays in a folk duo with Mike Cosgrave (www.cosgraveandbanks.com), whose debut album, Warp & Weft, was released in 2016 to critical acclaim.
Rebecca Allnatt
Cello
Rebecca won a county music scholarship in Hertfordshire where she was brought up. She went on to study at the Royal College of Music. After completing a Post Graduate she began an orchestral career in London before moving to Devon where she has continued to play with many orchestras including the Ten Tors Orchestra, English Mozart Players, and Welsh National Opera. Rebecca is also in demand as a teacher, and chamber musician.
“Your Playing was simply magical.”