‘The Silk String Quartet comprises classically trained Chinese virtuoso musicians based in the UK. Rich in Chinese and Western musical experience and with international reputations the Quartet plays contemporary music – some especially commissioned – as well as their own interpretation of traditional pieces.  Their music is principally Chinese in origin but they also enjoy educational and collaborative projects across a range of musical cultures and genres.

The Quartet was established in 2006 by pipa virtuoso, Cheng Yu, and quickly established a reputation as one of Europe’s best professional music ensembles for classical and contemporary music.  The group has performed on the prestigious stages of world music including both WOMAX and WOMAD and venues including London’s Royal Opera House, the Purcell Room and Duke’s Hall; the Sage Gateshead, St. George’s in Bristol and at the Manchester, Brighton and Guildford Festivals.

The Quartet’s debut CD (top 3 ARC music 2007-08) has been highly acclaimed and featured by Radio 3.  Subsequent collaborative projects have included specially commissioned work with with pianist Lang Lang and the London Symphony Orchestra; working with Damon Albarn on his multimedia opera ‘Monkey: Journey to the West’; with cellist Matthew Barley; and with the London Symphony Orchestra.  The Quartet recently played at the opening of two major exhibitions, China’s Hidden Century and The Silk Road at the British Museum.