The Stanford Quartet has established a reputation as a dynamic and versatile string quartet working with a variety of artists from Harrison Birtwhistle at the Dartington International Summer School to singer songwriter Gilbert O’Sullivan on the main stage at Glastonbury. Raised in musical families the quartet’s background is firmly rooted in classical music, with additional influences in theatre, opera, composition and dance.

Whilst studying at the Royal Academy of Music with members of the Alberni Quartet, sisters Laura, Eleanor, and Amy Stanford established the Stanford Quartet with cellist Jessica Cox, winning the John B McEwan quartet prize and receiving awards in the Sir Arthur Bliss and the Wigmore Hall competition. With an interest in British repertoire, the quartet entered the professional world as the resident ensemble for the Purbeck String Festival premiering newly commissioned works by Sally Beamish and Mike Westbrook as well as giving recitals, master classes and coaching. Continuing their association with living composers the Stanford Quartet followed with a three year collaboration at the Dartington International summer school, working with Harrison Birtwhistle, Gerald Busby, Dai Fujikara and Peter Copley. They have since kept a busy diary giving recitals nationwide for the Concert Promoters Network and in London as resident quartet at The University of Westminster.