ABOUT US
The Stringcredibles is an independent string quartet of CBSO musicians who came together to deliver work which supports the connection between musicians and audiences, mostly in schools and community settings.
In 2014, we performed for more than 6000 children and family audience members via a number of different projects and worked with over 500 children who participated in music-making projects resulting in a number of new compositions.
Individually, the four members of The Stringcredibles offer many years of experience of working for the CBSO (40 years in total), teaching, coaching and presenting.
You can 'Meet The Stringcredibles' in the video opposite.
OUR FOUNDERS
Catherine Arlidge
Violin
'Catherine Arlidge is not only one of our most inspiring, valued and unstinting musicians but also one of our strongest and most idealistic personalities.' Sir Simon Rattle
Catherine is a violinist, concert presenter, animateur and member of the CBSO since 1990. Alongside a busy performance schedule spanning Europe, the Far East and North and South America, she programmes and presents concerts for Families and Schools.
Passionate about connecting new audiences to classical music in meaningful ways, The Stringcredibles is her most exciting new adventure!
In January 2014 Catherine became the first violinist - and only the third ever recipient - of the Royal Philharmonic Society and the Association of British Orchestras Salomon Prize, a prestigious award celebrating the outstanding contribution of orchestral players to the UK's musical life.
She was formally a Trustee of the CBSO and is currently a Board Member of the Association of British Orchestras.
Bryony Morrison
Amy Fawcett
Helen Edgar
Violin
A first Class honours graduate and instrumental scholar from New College Oxford, Bryony completed her Masters studies at the Royal Academy of Music, graduting with distinction.
Her first full-time job was with the Ulster Orchestra and she is now a member of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra second violin section.
Bryony is involved with many of the CBSO's learning and participation projects and has delivered freelance workshops for Live Music Now, Artis Education, English Touring Opera and the Junior RNCM. As a violin teacher, she completed her LRAM teaching diploma with distinction and was a member of Philippa Bunting's First String Experience team at the Junior Royal Academy of Music
Viola
Amy was a scholar at the Royal Academy of Music graduating with 1st class honours and an LRAM teaching diploma. She continued at the Academy as a postgraduate student gaining a PGDip Distinction and a DipRAM for outstanding performance.
Amy was a member of Southbank Sinfonia in London and worked with many of the major symphony orchestras there and around the country before joining the CBSO in 2009.
Amy was lucky enough to be a member of orchestras such at The National Children's Orchestra, National Youth Orchestra and European Union Youth Orchestra. These organisations have given her the passion and drive to become a musician and to pass on her experiences to others through education and performance.
Cello
Helen studied Cello with Margaret Moncrieff, then with Douglas Cummings, Derek Simpson and Lionel Handy at the Royal Academy of Music where she won solo and chamber music prizes before graduating with the Academy's highest award, the Dip. R.A.M. in both solo and ensemble playing.
As cellist of the Hellier String Quartet, Helen performed widely throughout Europe and Asia, including a private recital to the Princess of Wales. The Quartet studied with the Amadeus, Alberni and Borodin Quartets, then later at The Banff Centre for the Arts in Canada, and were Ensemble in Residence at the Britten-Pears Foundation in Aldeburgh.
Helen was a member of the BBC Concert Orchestra for 9 years before joining the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra in 2006. At the CBSO, she regularly performs in CBSO’s chamber music series “Centre Stage”, collaborating in ensembles with visiting artists Baibe Skride, Sakari Oramo, Peter Donahoe and Simon Trpeski. She has curated the last four seasons of Centre Stage programmes.
Helen is a Visiting Teacher of Cello at Birmingham Conservatoire, and was formerly cello teacher and coach of ensembles and orchestras at the Junior Department of the Royal College of Music. A co-founder of The Birmingham Cello Workshop, she coaches cello ensembles ages 7-80 of all abilities, takes masterclasses and directs its 40-strong cello orchestra on their popular Cello Playing Days.
OUR BOARD
Like all registered charities, The Strincredibles is governed by a Board of Trustees who oversee the smooth-running of the organisation, particularly in terms of good governance and financial propriety. You can read biographies of our Trustees below.
Peter Hill
Peter retired from the CBSO in 2014 having been the Principal Timpanist for 25 years.
During that time he was heavily involved in the orchestra's education work forming the "Little Big Time Band" a six piece ensemble, giving concerts at Primary Schools around the West Midlands.
He was also instrumental, along with Catherine Arlidge with devising and presenting the initial Family Concerts at Symphony Hall.
Calum Nisbet
Calum worked at the CBSO for 3 years as Corporate Relations Manager and took a real interest in the work Players were able to deliver in schools and for children. He successfully engaged with a number of corporate partners to support this stream and, working with the Musicians, developed bespoke creative programmes for businesses to support.
Having set up his own business in 2014, he currently works with a number of charities and businesses in developing partnerships, finding sponsorship and engaging with supporters.
When not working, he enjoys being with his family and is an inanely loyal supporter of Worcester Warriors.
Ann Tennant
Ann trained as a teacher and then worked as a radio reporter and
producer for the BBC.
Her happiest memories are working as the CBSO's first Education Manager with Sir Simon Rattle and musicians of the orchestra.
She spent time as a volunteer in developing countries and on her return acted as trustee for a number of charities.
She is delighted to be associated with Stringcredibles.
CONTACT US
The Stringcredibles
131 Sellywood Road
Birmingham B30 1XA
Email: contact@thestringcredibles.com
Tel: 07976 205794