Review Centre: Classical Ensembles

"Last month Shrewsbury and Atcham District Arts Association were delighted to host the premiere of Patrick Larley"s work for string quartet, Iona Sound led by Anne Tupling with Sounds Interesting String Quartet. A contemporary work, it was made accessible by fine and precise playing. In addition Sounds Interesting gave a memorable rendition of a medley of Scottish airs composed specially for the occasion. A splendid and popular occasion, with an outstanding audience. Muriel Williamson, Gateway Concert Organiser."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We booked this fabulous string quartet for our wedding on August 11th. They are absolutely brilliant and very professional. Claire was always contactable and my request for “Waltz of the Flowers” to walk down the aisle to, was absolutely no problem for them to do. I highly recommend."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We just want to say a massive thank you to you and Warwickshire for playing such lovely music for us on our wedding day! Although we only had the String Trio, it sounded SO good! You have been really helpful & accommodating and advised us when needed. You were really easy to contact and your replies were so efficient. Warwickshire were fab to work with - 'Friendly & Professional'!! All the guests thoroughly enjoyed the great selection of music. It was just heavenly! Thank you so much and hope to one day listen to you play again. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We booked Magenta Strings as a duo to play during the drinks & canapés at our wedding. From the moment we first contacted them, through to our special day, they were very helpful and professional. On the day, they played a great mix of classic and modern songs, including a special request from the father of the bride. We would definitely recommend booking them. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Wow! Magenta strings played beautifully at one of our church fundraising evenings by candlelight. Everyone was blown away by the music and the atmosphere. We will definitely be asking them back for our 2026 fundraiser! "

Reply by Magenta Strings
Thank you Samantha. It was a pleasure to play at your fundraiser!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you so, so much, it was a joy to have you, your music was beautiful, calming, poignant, thought-provoking. Sublime. Starting the concert with your music was very, very special. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Hello Rachel, Just a quick note to thank you both for playing at our daughter's wedding. You were wonderful and everyone commented how much they enjoyed it. The whole day was magical. Thank you so much. Best wishes Jenny - June 2011 "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We were both overjoyed at the services you provided for our wedding on 16th April 2015 at The Upperhouse, Barlaston, Staffs. From our original enquiry, right through to the final played piece on the day, the total experience and contact was nothing but professional. You gave us suggestions to help to us decide what we wanted based on your experience, but were also more than happy to accommodate any thoughts or ideas we had. It was great to see the extensive repertoire of the musicians beforehand to help make our choices and to see our date on your websites up coming events. On the big day, none of our guests knew of the trio performing and were absolutely amazed at the playing on their arrival, at the ceremony and the wedding breakfast. Everyone commented on how good the music was and how it delicately enhanced the occasion, especially as we were able to have the ceremony outside in the pagoda at venues gardens. The trio also took some requests at the wedding breakfast which was a nice touch. I have passed on your details to all of my guests. We hope you enjoyed playing for our wedding as much as we enjoyed listening to the performances. Regards Simon & Katy Foster"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We booked Sounds Interesting around 6 weeks before our wedding as a last minute idea. We had only viewed the video clip on the website and so were a little apprehensive about how it would pan out on the day. However, we need not have worried. The quartet were fantastic. The songs we had chosen were even better than we had imagined. As I (the bride) was a little late to the venue, the quartet ended up playing a couple more songs than planned. They were excellent and really added that extra something to our ceremony, making it personal and unique to us. Worth every penny! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Dear Anne I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your recent performance of the above at St Chad's in Shrewsbury. It was a real honour to hear you and your colleagues at the absolute top of your game. I am so glad I made the trip from my home in Buckinghamshire to come and hear you all. I think what struck me most, was how meticulously well prepared it was. Your attention to all the smallest details of dynamic and phrasing were in evidence right from the very outset. The balance between instruments was superb. As a pianist, I thought Richard's playing was wonderful, drawing out the many colours of that piano. The interaction between the instruments was truly excellent. Kind regards, Richard"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Many thanks to you and the girls. The music sounded fantastic and was ideal for our event. We hope to have you play for us again sometime in the future."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Having recently played at our wedding I would highly recommend the quartet, very professional from start to finish, a lovely group and super easy to deal with and very accommodating. Excellent music options available and a lovely sound. Thanks again "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Hi Anne, I just wanted to say - again - how much I enjoyed singing with you last night. We all felt completely at ease and supported and FREE throughout, which is such a privileged position to be in, let alone a Messiah with fiendish string writing and only one to a part! It was a joy. Thank you. Hope to see you soon. Have a wonderful Christmas, and wishing you lots of lovely music in the new year. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The harp music was the highlight of our daughters day, she is only 17 months but was not leaving until the music finished, she was enthralled. We and our guest enjoyed the music very much so glad we had you. Thank you "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Petford were lovely and played all the numbers off my list plus one! Everyone loved them. We all agreed that the arrangement of Running up the Hill was amazing!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: