New strings attached to lessons at Highgate School

20 May 2008

THERE will be a few more strings attached to music lessons at Highgate School in future.

Pupils are set to benefit after the independent school appointed its own highly regarded string quartet in residence.

The idea to have the resident Barbirolli Quartet came from music teacher Jonathan Murphy, who is also head of strings at the school.

He said the relationship would benefit both the school and the quartet.

"It works brilliantly on both parts: They get to put this on their CVs and we have a really top quartet coming in and inspiring the kids," he said.

Under the agreement the quartet will perform two or three concerts a year as well as five or six workshops with pupils.

The four female musicians, who recently made their debuts at the illustrious Wigmore Hall, held their inaugural concert at the school on Friday night in front of an impressed audience.

"The concert was fantastic, the kids were really inspired by them," said Mr Murphy.