Lucy and Felicity String Duo

Lucy Armstrong (violin/viola) and Felicity Ciffe (cello) met at Bromley Youth Music Trust where they played together in the Bromley Youth Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra and chamber music ensembles. Their first concert was Dvorak American String Quartet as the viola and cello of Bromley Youth String Quartet. They have played in several venues together including the Royal Festival Hall for the Women of the World Festival’s Mirth Control. They are accepting bookings for weddings, parties and events in London and beyond; recent engagements have included a lunchtime recital in Petersfield as part of the Hampshire Music Service come and play day, playing for numerous weddings in the UK and most recently a lunchtime recital in Cambridge. Some of their most frequently played repertoire includes Beethoven Eyeglasses duet and Boccherini Sonata for solo viola and basso as well as popular wedding favourites, such as Pachelbel's Canon, and modern covers. Lucy Armstrong A Music Graduate from the University of York, Lucy gave both solo and chamber recitals as part of her degree. In addition she was in the University of York Symphony, Chamber and Sinfonietta orchestras having held the principal viola position in all of these. Performing highlights in York included the solo viola part of Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis at the University of York’s 50th anniversary ceremony at York Minster, numerous performances with the Chimera new music ensemble and solo viola in James Whittle’s Remains of Elmet. Lucy has played in many pit bands ranging from West Wickham Operatic Society to the Drama Barn and a collaboration with the New York Ballet Company at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley. Lucy is also an experienced teacher of violin, viola and music theory. A former Bromley Youth Music Trust licensed teacher, she also takes private pupils of all abilities including beginners. She worked at the Purcell School for Young Musicians in the 2014-2015 academic year and also coordinated the outreach projects for this school. A keen community musician, Lucy has led early years, introduction to instruments, violin series and music for pupils with additional needs workshops in York. She has forged close partnerships with Harmony Cafe customers as the music coordinator and performer for three years at the monthly event for Dementia sufferers and their families. Lucy’s playing has taken her on tours to many European countries such as Finland, Hungary and Spain and she regularly plays at the Minehead Festival. London performances have included Mahler 9 with the Ullyses Symphony Orchestra and principal viola with the Covent Garden Chamber Orchestra. She enjoys performing at events with duet partner Felicity Cliffe who she first met over ten years ago at Bromley Youth Music Trust. Highlights have included a recital for the participants and community of Petersfield for the Petersfield Area String Orchestra Day. Lucy is a member of the Incorporated Society of Musicians. Felicity Cliffe Starting her musical journey at a young age, Felicity first developed a passion for making music after being fortunate to play with orchestras for over a decade with the Bromley Youth Music Trust. Being part of such an incredible service for young people was an inspiration and she left with an award for being their most promising leaver of 2013. Having recently graduated on oboe under David Thomas with second study cello under Richard Markson at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. During her time at Trinity, she participated in some amazing projects such as playing in the pit orchestra for the college opera, ‘Belshazzar’s’ Feast’, and playing under the baton of Gordon Hunt with the Trinity Laban Wind Orchestra. As a freelance musician Felicity aims to bring her music to a wider audience and create new pieces, taking every opportunity to perform, and also collaborating with composer Jo Cooper to create new music. The world premiere of their piece, ‘Kaze’ was in December 2015 at the Institute of Contemporary Arts. With her initiative, drive and passion for performing she also gained positions with the London Beethoven Orchestra, Sinfonia Tamesa, Amadeus Orchestra and Women of the World Orchestra performing in a variety of notable venues and under renowned conductors including Alice Farnham and Marin Alsop. She has also toured with both the Orion Orchestra and the Kings College London Symphony Orchestra, and participated in the Amadeus Orchestra tour to China this year. She made her concerto debut in June with the Central London Orchestra.