Biographies

Cathy Mathews (violin) studied at the Royal Northern College of Music. She then enjoyed a career as an orchestral violinist, with positions in the Bournemouth Sinfonietta, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, the Welsh National Opera Orchestra, The BBC Radio Orchestra and the BBC Concert Orchestra. She also freelanced extensively in and around London and with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. Cathy now leads the Havant Symphony Orchestra and plays in local orchestras and chamber ensembles.

Susan Bint (violin) grew up in Wales where she was a member of the National Youth Orchestra. She graduated from the Royal Northern College of Music and was later awarded an MA in applied Music Education with distinction. She has performed with the Endellion Festival Orchestra and has worked with conductors such as Sir Mark Elder and Richard Hickox. Sue now leads the Basingstoke Symphony Orchestra and she examines throughout the UK and internationally for ABRSM.

Janis Moore (viola) read music at Lancaster University where she studied violin with Paul Robertson and viola with Paul Silverthorne of the Medici String Quartet. After graduating she continued her studies with Sidney Griller. She then moved to Hampshire to teach fo the Hampshire Music Service. She plays with many local groups, including Havant Chamber Orchestra, Solent Symphony Orchestra, Basingstoke Symphony Orchestra, South Downs Camerata and the Consort of Twelve. Janis is much in demand as a chamber music player.

Wendy Lowe (cello) is originally from Anglesey and was a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Wales. Wendy read music at Cardiff University, studying cello with Sharon McKinley. She worked as a peripatetic cello teacher and freelance cellist in South Wales, including working with the Welsh Sinfonia and the contemporary theatre group “Moving Being”. Now based in Hampshire, Wendy works as a cello teacher. She plays with the Solent Symphony Orchestra and the South Downs Camerata and gives regular chamber recitals with local ensembles.