The Claret String Quartet

A classically trained String Quartet based in Cardiff, available for a wide range of events.

The Claret Quartet is a classically trained String Quartet based in Cardiff, UK. We are available to hire for a wide range of events, including Weddings, Concerts, Special Occasions, Formal Dinners and Corporate events.

Emma Exton- Violin

Emma is currently in her third and final year at Cardiff University, studying violin with Terry Porteus. She was a member of the National Children’s Orchestra for seven years and her local county music centre, in which she was a member of a quartet that revived a ballet by Phillip Feeney called ‘The Knot Garden’. Chamber music being a particular interest for Emma, her past quartet played at events for the Bishop and Mayor of Winchester. Since coming to Cardiff, Emma has become a member of the YMSO and a multitude of university ensembles including CUSO and Chamber Orchestra. She aims to further her performance studies with a Master’s degree.

Joanna Mlot- Violin

Joanna Mlot, also in her third year of studying Music at Cardiff University, has started her violin training in Zespół Szkół Muzycznych Nr 4 im. Karola Szymanowskiego (Complex of Music State Schools No. 4) in Warsaw where she studied from the age of seven. After moving to UK she became highly involved in the local music scene taking part in numerous ensembles and orchestras such as South West Youth Orchestra. Currently, an active member of the university music department, Joanna leads both Cardiff University Symphony and Chamber Orchestra and is taught by Laurence Kempton. She hopes to pursue her musical education with a Masters degree in performance as well.

Thomas Wilkinson- Viola

Thomas is in a second year Music student at Cardiff University, studying viola with Philip Heyman. He has been co-principal viola with the National Youth Chamber Orchestra of Great Britain, Cardiff University Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra and leads several viola sections in various ensembles across the university.
From Brussels, Thomas has played with string quartets in prestigious events including the Queen's Birthday Party and the Bishop of Europe's installation. He is currently working towards a career in performance, specialising in chamber ensembles and string quartet works.

Elin Taylor- Cello

Having graduated from her undergraduate degree with a First Class Honours, Elin Taylor is now currently studying her Masters in Performance at Cardiff University.

A keen Orchestral and Chamber musician, Elin was principal cellist for the University’s Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra during her undergraduate studies. She is member of London-based Young Musician’s Orchestra and former member of the National Youth Orchestra of Wales. Her passion for Chamber music led her to establish the Claret String Quartet, it’s success leading to a performance at Xiamen University, China.

Elin also enjoys getting involved further in the community, performing in events for charity Making Music Changing Lives and curated a concert series aimed for elderly audiences and refugees in 2015.