The Scullery Quintet
The Scullery Quintet is a new South African classical and contemporary music crossover group that is made up of a not so traditional string quintet. The ensemble features the standard string quartet configuration: first violin, second violin and viola, the Cello role is replaced by Contra Bass with drum set as the fifth instrument. This multiracial and multicultural ensemble was conceived in early 2020 by a group of like-minded musicians that got together to share their varied musical influences and keep their musical abilities alive during the COVID-19 pandemic. The quintet plays a variety of music that is not specific to a particular genre, yet the instrumentation implies both the tradition of classical music and of popular music.
Performing arrangements and improvising on compositions by their favourite composers which range from Vivaldi, Dvorak, Herbie Hancock, Bach, Weather Report to Radiohead, this quintet is by no means purist in its repertoire.
The Quintet is led and directed by 2 time SAMA award winner & jazz drummer Peter Auret ( currently with Sydney Mavundla quartet, Charl Du Plessis Trio, Nataniël and Ziza Muftic ). Doubling on both 1st and 2nd violin is Waldo Luc Alexander, known for his extensive contribution in New Music and his work with: JFO, Kevin Volans, Philip Miller, William Kentridge and Jill Richards . Also doubling on 1st and 2nd violin is American born violinist Hana Yim-Wahl ( JFO, Richard Cock’s Phoenix Co. Orchestra and New music ensemble: Novus Quartet). Hana also serves as a co-program director of the group’s varied repertoire. Royal Academy of Music graduate, Tiisetso Mashishi fills the Viola position. Tiisetso gained recognition with the Buskaid string ensemble, JPO and JFO. Up and coming Jazz bassist, Amaeshi Ikechi is the contra bass player in the ensemble. Amaeshi brings a wealth of experience and musical influences from his time on the band stand as bass player for Artists such as: Zonke, Selaelo Selota, Thandi Ntuli and Steve Dyer.
In 2021, the Scullery quintet was awarded the ‘Concerts SA mobility fund’ (a cultural initiative by the Norwegian Embassy) to host and perform their debut concert. This event was hugely successful and was very well attended and received by both Classical music lovers and the supporters of modern contemporary music. Since this debut performance, the Quintet has been featured at the Wakkerstroom Music Festival, Atterbury Klassiek and the US Toyota Woordfees in 2022 , where they were also nominated for a best classical music performance award.
As the name would suggest , ’The Scullery Quintet' offers new unique arrangements and orchestrations of some of the most influential musical works of our time. The music is presented in a fun, unpretentious and informative manner that appeals to both serious music listeners and general music enthusiasts.
The Scullery Quintet’s program draws from multiple music genres , ranging from classical music , jazz/fusion, Latin American, African and Pop music. Although this mix of genres could be considered unrelated and gimmicky , the ensemble retains its sonic identity and artistic integrity through their love for the varied traditions and disciplines of these genres. Their arrangements have been carefully crafted to honour the intention of the composers.
Performing arrangements and improvising on compositions by their favourite composers which range from Vivaldi, Dvorak, Herbie Hancock, Bach, Weather Report to Radiohead, this quintet is by no means purist in its repertoire.
The Quintet is led and directed by 2 time SAMA award winner & jazz drummer Peter Auret ( currently with Sydney Mavundla quartet, Charl Du Plessis Trio, Nataniël and Ziza Muftic ). Doubling on both 1st and 2nd violin is Waldo Luc Alexander, known for his extensive contribution in New Music and his work with: JFO, Kevin Volans, Philip Miller, William Kentridge and Jill Richards . Also doubling on 1st and 2nd violin is American born violinist Hana Yim-Wahl ( JFO, Richard Cock’s Phoenix Co. Orchestra and New music ensemble: Novus Quartet). Hana also serves as a co-program director of the group’s varied repertoire. Royal Academy of Music graduate, Tiisetso Mashishi fills the Viola position. Tiisetso gained recognition with the Buskaid string ensemble, JPO and JFO. Up and coming Jazz bassist, Amaeshi Ikechi is the contra bass player in the ensemble. Amaeshi brings a wealth of experience and musical influences from his time on the band stand as bass player for Artists such as: Zonke, Selaelo Selota, Thandi Ntuli and Steve Dyer.
In 2021, the Scullery quintet was awarded the ‘Concerts SA mobility fund’ (a cultural initiative by the Norwegian Embassy) to host and perform their debut concert. This event was hugely successful and was very well attended and received by both Classical music lovers and the supporters of modern contemporary music. Since this debut performance, the Quintet has been featured at the Wakkerstroom Music Festival, Atterbury Klassiek and the US Toyota Woordfees in 2022 , where they were also nominated for a best classical music performance award.
As the name would suggest , ’The Scullery Quintet' offers new unique arrangements and orchestrations of some of the most influential musical works of our time. The music is presented in a fun, unpretentious and informative manner that appeals to both serious music listeners and general music enthusiasts.
The Scullery Quintet’s program draws from multiple music genres , ranging from classical music , jazz/fusion, Latin American, African and Pop music. Although this mix of genres could be considered unrelated and gimmicky , the ensemble retains its sonic identity and artistic integrity through their love for the varied traditions and disciplines of these genres. Their arrangements have been carefully crafted to honour the intention of the composers.