About Us

The Bossard Quartet was formed in 2004 by Amy Edwards and has been based in Hampshire since 2006.

Amy Edwards

Amy has been playing the violin since she was six, and received a distinction for her ABRSM Grade 8 in 1999. Amy graduated in 2004 from the University of Sheffield with a BA Hons in French and Music.

At university, she was leader of the University of Sheffield Chamber Orchestra, and performed regularly with the University Symphony Orchestra.

While living in London, Amy played for the Westminster Philharmonic Orchestra and the South Bank Symphony Orchestra. Since moving to Hampshire in 2006 she has developed The Bossard Quartet on the South Coast as well as playing with the Chichester Symphony Orchestra, Havant Chamber Orchestra and freelancing for other ensembles.

Anna Pring

Anna graduated from Birmingham Conservatoire in 2006 studying Violin with Russian Violinist Dr Rimma Sushanskaya. During her time there she received intensive string quartet coaching and took part in master classes. After graduating she went on to study for a Primary PGCE and is currently a classroom music teacher and violin teacher for Hampshire Music Service. As well as teaching and performing with the string quartet, Anna regularly plays in orchestras and pit bands. She is also an accompanist, working with adult and youth choirs, musical societies and solo musicians.

Ruth McGibben

Ruth graduated from Southampton University in 2002 where she gained her BA Hons degree in Music. Whilst at university, Ruth studied viola with Peter Collyer and specialised in solo and chamber performance.

Ruth currently works as a violin and viola teacher at Portsmouth Grammar School and as a freelance viola player. She performs regularly with ensembles such as Southern Pro-Musica, Simply Baroque and the Havant Chamber Orchestra.

As well as orchestral playing, Ruth gives regular solo and chamber recitals. A versatile performer, Ruth (along with Sophie) is a member of the contemporary acoustic group Red Campion and has taken part in several live broadcasts on BBC Radio. She has also made a TV appearance when the band were selected to be semi-finalists in the BBC's 'Electric Proms'!

Sophie Hurr

Having always been interested in both Music and Art, Sophie pursued a career in the arts, graduating from Edinburgh University and College of Art with a MA in Fine Art.

Music has nevertheless remained a big part of her life, performing and recording in a wide range of ensembles, styles and contexts; from playing with different choirs and orchestras, to smaller group improvisation as well as recording for various different artists and groups.

Sophie now enjoys performing classical music regularly with the quartet, as well as playing and recording original work in a contemporary acoustic group, Red Campion, their wide range of performances including appearing live on BBC radio and television. As well as playing in various guises, she is now both a teacher of art in a sixth form college and a practising artist herself.

The Bossard Quartet have a circle of players who we call on when one of us is ill or unavailable. We would like to thank the following players :

• Nuala Land
• Debbie Packer
• Jess Garner
• Nigel McNestrie
• Angela Martin