Born of a history of experimentation and collaboration, Bergersen Quartet is the definitive ensemble for the performance and recording of contemporary music by acclaimed international artists and composers. Established in 2007 by violist Elisa Bergersen, and re-launched in 2015 with a new all-female line-up, this London based quartet combines four extraordinary careers – their experience and versatility coming from decades of session recording for the world’s leading composers and recording artists, and performing with the UK’s top orchestras and ensembles.
Jackie, Harriet, Elisa and Sophie are all friends from the London session scene, regularly recording film and TV soundtracks at Abbey Road, Air and Angel Studios. Collectively, they have recorded countless scores, including those by composers such as John Williams, Hans Zimmer, Danny Elfman, John Barry, Alan Menken, John Lunn, Rob Lane, Guy Farley, Barrington Phelong, Jocelyn Pook, Daniel Pemberton and Anne Dudley.
They also perform live at all the major London concert venues from the Barbican to the South Bank and Royal Albert Hall. Jackie’s career has included the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (co-principal), the London Philharmonic and BBC Symphony Orchestra. Harriet has worked with the Academy of St Martins, the Royal Opera House, BBC Concert Orchestra and was a member of the Lyric Quartet. Elisa counts the Royal Philharmonic, Heritage Orchestra, Guy Barker Orchestra and Hyperion Ensemble amongst her credits. Sophie was a member of the Smith Quartet, is a member of the Duke Quartet, and has also played for the Brodsky and the Balanescu Quartets.
Collectively they have performed and recorded with artists including Dame Shirley Bassey, Barry Manilow, Sir Paul McCartney, Rod Stewart, Take That, Paloma Faith, Brian May, Ellie Goulding, Richard Ashcroft, Jamie Callum, Melody Gardot, Jackie Dankworth, Benjamin Clementine, Gregory Porter, Dixie Chicks, Clare Teal, Chrissie Hynde, Massive Attack, Pete Tong, Boy George, The Pretenders, and countless other internationally respected performers and recording artists.
Most recently BQ have played sell-out gigs at the Barbican with former Beta Band front man Steve Mason, filled St Alban’s Cathedral alongside ’60s rock legends The Zombies, have performed with West-End star Kerry Ellis, collaborated with TV composer Ed Haydon and performed with DJ / composer Josh Winiberg.
"I booked the Bergersen quartet for the string sessions on our 'Funk and Disco' album for KPM as they are highly professional, versatile players who are capable of generating a big, rich sound and who are used to working in a professional studio environment. They worked very hard, and we were very pleased with the results"
Rob Kelly, Managing Director of Strongroom Productions Ltd, Director of Business Development for the AIR Studios group.
"We can only praise their professionalism and devotion as they delivered the highest standard of performance"
Marco Sanges
"Bergersen Quartet always attack new writing with passion, attention to detail and most importantly a huge commitment. It is always a huge pleasure hearing them bring your work to life."
Craig Adams