Scintillo String Quartet in Essex

As a Suffolk-based string quartet, we are delighted to perform extensively throughout our neighbouring counties in East Anglia for weddings, special occasions & concerts.  In this article we'd love to share a bit more about our work in some of the most prestigious venues in Essex where we regularly perform.

When Scintillo was formed in 2004, we were based in Essex so much of our work was across Essex and London.  During this time, we forged some close links with several venues and we are delighted that our relationship has continued to grow.  We feel so lucky to be recommend by some beautiful venues, well established wedding planners and fellow industry professionals with whom we have shared so much over the years.

The magical Hedingham Castle was one of the very first venues at which we performed as Scintillo, and we have played there for many special occasions since our first visit! The majestic Norman castle keep holds 900 years of history within its walls and the splendour of the Georgian manor house is enhanced by beautifully landscaped gardens.  Music for ceremonies in the candlelit banqueting hall works so well as the acoustics are fabulous for live strings, and having music during drinks and canapés by the manor house feels so quintessential.  Hedingham's unique position and features have made it the choice for many high-profile feature films, TV & photo shoots, and across the year the venue hosts theatre productions and medieval jousts.  We have enjoyed making music and working alongside Sarah Pether and her team of wedding coordinators so often over the years.

"I've had the pleasure of working with Scintillo for many years at Hedingham Castle and you won't ever meet a nicer bunch of people; professional, fun and extremely talented…I could go on!  They create an extra special atmosphere to wedding ceremonies and their music makes you stop, listen, reminisce and sometimes even brings happy tears.  I cannot recommend them enough". Sarah Pether – Weddings Manager at Hedingham Castle

We could not write about Hedingham without mentioning two fabulous East Anglian caterers, Splinters Outside Caterers and Arabella Reeve Catering, both of whom it's always a pleasure to work alongside and catch up with whenever we bump into each other!  Although we never expect such a kindness from our clients, on occasion at long bookings we have been treated to the most delicious food from both Splinters and Arabella Reeve.

We are often invited to play at two beautiful venues which are part of the Country House Weddings group – Gosfield Hall & Leez Priory.

A former royal palace, Gosfield Hall is a striking Georgian mansion which is set in ten acres of parkland and overlooks Gosfield lake.  Our music has resounded in all parts of this beautiful venue including ceremonies in Queen Charlotte's oak-panelled gallery, welcoming drinks in the grand salon, formal dinners in the ballroom and in the wonderful courtyard for outdoor events. 

We first met the photographer Sally Rawlins at a Gosfield Hall wedding and always love receiving shots of us which Sally has taken – they always have such an authentic feel about them.

Located in the Essex village of Little Leighs, not to far from Chelmsford and Braintree, Leez Priory is an equally inspiring place to perform and our string quartet has made music in the Tudor manor house and by the great tower for many memorable occasions. 

Charlie of Millen Films creates beautiful cinematic wedding films and not only have we worked alongside him at weddings, we were delighted that he chose us to perform for his own wedding at Leez Priory – a beautiful outdoor ceremony on a wonderful summer's day.

High House Weddings is a luxurious venue where contemporary styling meets rural charm.  Nestled within six acres of elegant countryside and offering a flexible space for indoor weddings in the rustic barn, which dates back to 1750, or outside underneath a charming thatched gazebo, we are always welcomed so warmly to this family run business by Samantha and her team.

We have worked alongside the brilliant Essex-based photographer Gemma Giorgio on many occasions now at weddings and events in both Suffolk and Essex.  Having seen her beautiful documentary style images, we were brave enough to ask her to take some branding shots of us.  As so many of our couples have been, we too were delighted with the results!

"Chris and the team at Scintillo are always a joy to work with. They go above and beyond for their clients delivering high quality service and incredible music. Not only are they amazing musicians with true professionalism for what they do but also they are down to earth, kind people who are so easy to get along with". Gemma Giorgio – Essex based photographer

We haven't been able to mention all of the people, venues and businesses with whom we enjoy working, but we thank each of them as we feel so very privileged to be able to continue to work in Essex so often. This year are excited to be performing at some new venues to us, including Villiers Barn, The Warren Estate & Captain Woods Barn as well as returning to work alongside industry friends at Braxted Park, Houchins, Colchester Town Hall and The Fennes.

We'd love to credit the wonderful photographers for the shots of us used in this article - thank you to each of you!

Chris, cellist of the Scintillo String Quartet at Gosfield Hall in Essex by Sally Rawlins
Scintillo String Quartet at Hedingham castle by Claire Belson Photography
Scintillo String Quartet at High House Weddings by Sammy Taylor Wedding Photography
Yan Yi & Chris of the Scintillo String Quartet at Leez Priory by Matthew Scott Photography