About

The Sussex String Quartet was formed in 1986 by Sussex violinist Martin Palmer. The quartet comprises four accomplished professional musicians who have been members of or have worked regularly with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Hallé, the Orchestra of English National Ballet, the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, the London Symphony Orchestra and other notable ensembles as well as shows in London's West End such as Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera, Lion King and Mike Batt's The Hunting of the Snark.

Over the years we have performed at a great number of events, ranging from major corporate functions to intimate private dinner parties. Our music has enhanced the romantic atmosphere at many a wedding, creating a unique experience tailored to the wishes of the happy couple. We have recorded music for television commercials, for Universal Music and can be heard on film soundtracks of Five Seconds to Spare and A Dangerous Game. We regularly perform recitals and are a supplier to 'Candlelight Experience', performing at the Royal Pavilion, Brighton and other venues throughout the South East.

Although based in Sussex, we regularly work in London, the Home Counties and travel the length and breadth of the country as required. We have performed at many major venues across Sussex and the South East, including Lewes Castle, Penshurst Place, Ashdown Park Hotel, Buxted Park Hotel, Upwaltham Barns, Amberley Castle, Gildings Barns, South Lodge Hotel, the Grand Hotel Brighton and throughout the UK; Buckingham Palace, Harrods, Arundel Town Hall, the Houses of Parliament, Blenheim Palace, Mosimann's, Somerset House, Claridge's, Herstmonceux Castle, Windsor Town Hall and Leeds Castle. We have also played in lesser-known but equally important churches, gardens, marquees, bandstands, riverboats and public houses.

We have a wealth of experience and enthusiasm and are confident that you will appreciate our professional approach and will be delighted with our music. We are more than happy to advise on what music might be appropriate for your event. Please have a look at our extensive repertoire, and feel free to contact us to discuss your particular requirements.

Meet the Team

Martin Palmer - Violin

Early in his orchestral career Martin worked regularly with the London Philharmonic and Bournemouth Symphony orchestras. He was Principal 2nd Violin with the National Symphony Orchestra and worked extensively as a freelance violinist throughout the UK and in Germany.

Latterly, much of his work has been in the world of theatre, performing for many years as a 1st Violinist with the Orchestra of English National Ballet with whom he appeared in the 2007 Concert for Diana at Wembley Stadium. Martin worked regularly in London’s West End and was frequently a guest leader for Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theatre and UK tour. On the Silver Screen Martin has appeared as a violinist in the films Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows and The Batman.

Martin is a founder member of the Sussex String Quartet; he plays a 1756 violin of French maker, Ambroise de Comble.

Jessie Murphy - Violin

Jessie studied with Erich Gruenberg at the Royal Academy of Music and has worked extensively as a classical violinist and as an onstage musician for theatre, in the West End, National Theatre and The Globe, she regularly tours with Jeff Lynne’s ELO, Sophie Ellis Bextor and Michael Bublé and also has performed live with Kano, Kasabian, Muse, Ceelo Green, The Libertines, The Feeling, Paloma Faith, Roger Daltry, Carl Barat, Joy Crookes, Fontaines D.C., Steve Mason, Ricky Wilson, Josh Grobin, Brett Anderson, Gaz Coombes, Gary Kemp, Beverly Knight, Marc Almond and Natalie Imbruglia.

As a session musician, Jess has recorded for artists including Primal Scream, Kano, Joy Crookes, The Feeling, Paloma Faith, Hugh Cornwell, Placebo, The Magic Numbers, Carl Barat, Kano, Ellie Goulding and Lily Allen. She recorded solo violin for Christian Henson’s scores for Black Death and Grabbers and George Fenton's scores for Alan Bennett’s Allelujah at the Bridge Theatre, Cold Pursuit and the Palme d'Or winning I Daniel Blake.

In 2023/24 she played for Michael Buble’s Higher tour (as part of Bek strings), and with Sophie Ellis Bextor at Glastonbury, Isle of Wight, Bestival, Latitude, Corona Capital, Over Oslo, The Royal Variety show, and for her Kitchen Disco Tours. Jess joined JEFF LYNNE’S ELO in June 2019, taking part in the 2019 USA tour and a special concert for the BBC. In 2024 she played for the Over and Out tour in the USA, and is looking forward to U.K. shows in Birmingham, Manchester and Hyde Park this July.

Sarah Wormell - Violin/Viola

Sarah plays both violin and viola. She studied at Trinity College of Music and is a highly versatile performer, regularly playing with various orchestras and chamber groups and appearing on stage with her electric violin with ELO Encounter. She is as at home in the recording studio or playing for a small wedding as she is playing a large theatre or stage show. She has worked with various pop artists and has appeared as an extra (both playing and acting) in several films.

Emma Pritchard - Violoncello

Emma was awarded a scholarship to study the cello at the Royal Academy of music. Emma was given a position in the world renowned Halle Orchestra before she graduated from the Royal Academy of music. She has since worked with various, prestigious London orchestras such as the London Symphony Orchestra, The Royal Philharmonic, The BBC Symphony and the BBC Concert Orchestra.

Emma has performed in major concert halls around the world and has played on many famous film tracks such as Star Wars, Harry Potter, Braveheart and Titanic. Emma's success has led to requests for her to be principal cello with Dame Shirley Bassey, Rod Stewart, Lionel Ritchie and Barry White to name just a few.

"The highlight of my career has to be playing at The Last Night of The Proms with The BBC Symphony Orchestra. As a child I grew up watching this on television & it was a big ambition of mine to do it. The atmosphere was unforgettable with thousands of people singing and waving union jacks!"

"Playing with The London Symphony Orchestra was another highlight. One minute we would be touring the world with conductors such as Andre Previn & soloists such as Rostrapovich. Then a few days later we would be at Abbey Road Studios recording the sound track for Star Wars with John Williams & George Lucas or Harry Potter (which was closely watched by rather a young and shy Daniel Radcliffe).... Exciting times!"