Having met at the Guernsey Music Centre, the 15-and 16-year-old members of the “Vivace!” String Quartet first started playing as an ensemble when they were 9 and 10. Their playing has been described as “outstanding” and “spellbinding” by Guernsey Eisteddfod  adjudicators,  allowing  them  to  win many  trophies,  including  the  Richard  de  la  Rue  Trophy  for  the Most Promising  Chamber  Ensemble in  the  competition two  years  running. Since 2016, winners of the Gill Freeman Cup for the Most Promising String Player (Under 18) have been made up solely of members of Vivace!

The boys have absolutely loved discovering just a small portion of the vast world of string quartet music over the last six years. Numerous professionals in  the  chamber  music  world  have  suggested  Vivace!  would  thrive  as  a professional quartet. As well as playing in concerts, they love offering more informal performances at garden parties, care homes, restaurants, weddings and corporate events across the island. In 2021, the quartet jointly won the trophy for the Under 18 “Performer of the Year” in the 2021 Guernsey Street Festival.

Sam, Joe, George and Archie are all incredibly grateful for all the tuition they have received over the years, especially from Chris Holland and Paula Cross, who have both been incredibly generous with their time.