Gina McCormack is one of Britain’s leading violinists and chamber musicians, switching effortlessly between concertos, recitals, quartet-playing and orchestral leading. Most recently Gina spent two years leading the Brodsky Quartet, her first concert with the group being at Sydney Opera House. Before that she spent 13 years as leader of the Sorrel Quartet, making frequent BBC Radio 3 broadcasts as well as recording twelve CD’s for the Chandos label. Her long-standing duo with pianist Nigel Clayton performs regularly throughout the UK and abroad, and has been a constant throughout her career. A love of dance has also led to a long collaboration with choreographer Matthew Bourne whose orchestra she leads. Gina teaches violin at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, and gives regular masterclasses at home and abroad.

Catherine Yates is a violinist and viola player who is a keen chamber musician, orchestral player and educationalist. She spent twenty years as 2nd Violin of the Sorrel Quartet, performing and broadcasting at home and abroad and holding Artists-in-Residence positions at six of the UK's major universities. The Quartet recorded extensively for Chandos, including acclaimed discs of Elgar, Britten and the complete Quartets of Shostakovich. From 2008 she enjoyed six years as Principal 2nd Violin of the Halle Orchestra before leaving to devote more of her time to education. She is currently Deputy Head of Strings at the Royal Northern College of Music where she was herself a student, whilst continuing to perform on stage as much as she can.