about us
The Ibaia String Quartet formed in September 2021 at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. Since then, they have performed in prestigious venues across the UK. Highlights include performing at the Wigmore Hall in 2021 and giving numerous recitals in the stunning Old Royal Naval College Chapel.
The word Ibaia comes from the Basque for ‘river,’ as the river has been a salient feature during our time at Trinity Laban, rehearsing in practice rooms which look out onto the river Thames.
Josephina Chapman
Hi! I’m Josie and play first violin in the Ibaia String Quartet. I’m currently in my fourth and final year at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of music and study with Matthew Denton.
I joined my first string quartet when I was 11 and immediately fell in love with chamber music, and the profound effect it has on people of all ages. I am particularly passionate in sharing music with young people, and am committed to ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to hear live music.
My favourite pieces of music we perform are the Ravel String Quartet and Octupus’ Garden by The Beatles!
jessica dugard
Hi, I’m Jess! I’m the second violinist in the Ibaia String quartet, I am also in my final year at Trinity Laban Conservatoire and I study under the guidance of Jan Schmolck.
I am incredibly passionate about sharing the power of music with diverse audiences and take delight in bringing the power of music to those who may not have the opportunity to experience it, especially in settings such as care homes.
My favourite works we perform are Mendelssohn’s op 13 quartet in A minor, and our lovely arrangement of ‘What a Wonderful World’.
lydia elderfield
Hi, I’m Lydia! I am the violist in the Ibaia String Quartet and am currently in my third year at Trinity Laban Conservatoire studying with Richard Crabtree.
Whilst my musical journey began with the violin, I have grown to love and embrace the rich tones of the viola. I am thrilled to have performed in venues from the Barbican, with the LSSO, to Wigmore Hall with the Ibaia String Quartet.
Beyond performance, I have developed a creativity in videography and photography- crafting captivating visuals that compliment our musical ventures.
My favourite pieces in our repertoire are Frank Bridge’s beautiful arrangement of Londonderry Air and Neil Diamond’s pop classic, Sweet Caroline.
morgan key
Hi, I’m Morgan, the cellist in the Ibaia String Quartet. I am originally from Northampton, but moved to London to study at Trinity Laban Conservatoire under Naomi Butterworth.
I am a keen chamber musician and have enjoyed travelling around the country performing with the Ibaia String Quartet for the past 3 years, as well as running a series of workshops in primary schools around the country encouraging young children to get involved with classical music.
My favourite works from our repertoire are Borodin’s String Quartet no. 2 in D Major, and Somewhere Over the Rainbow.