The Scullery Quintet

Performer

The Scullery Quintet is a new South African classical and contemporary music crossover ensemble that features a unique blend of the classic string quartet sound accompanied by a jazz rhythm section. The ensemble comprises the standard string quartet configuration: first violin, second violin and viola, with contra bass replacing the role of the cellist, and the addition of a drum set as the fifth instrument.

This multiracial and multicultural ensemble was conceived in early 2020 by a group of like-minded musicians wanting to share their varied musical influences. The Quintet is led and directed by three-time SAMA award winner and jazz drummer Peter Auret (Sydney Mavundla Quartet, Charl du Plessis Trio, Nataniël), with Waldo Alexander on violin known for his work with JFO, Kevin Volans, Philip Miller, William Kentridge and Jill Richards. Also on violin is American-born Hana Yim-Wahl (JFO, Richard Cock’s Phoenix Co. Orchestra and the Muses). Royal Academy of Music graduate Tiisetso Mashishi fills the viola position (JPO, JPO Quartet and JFO). Amaeshi Ikechi is the contra bass player in the ensemble and brings a wealth of experience, having worked with artists such as Zonke and Selaelo Selota.

The Scullery Quintet is by no means purist in its repertoire as they perform reimagined arrangements of works by their favourite composers, ranging from Vivaldi, Dvorak, Piazzolla, Bill Evans, Bach, Beethoven and Michael Brecker, to Weather Report, Hugh Masekela, John Scofield and Radiohead. The music is presented in a fun, unpretentious and informative manner that appeals to both serious music listeners and general music enthusiasts.