Occasional Strings

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Ursula Sagar (First Violin)
Musical Background: I took up violin at age 6, and quickly discovered my passion for ensemble playing, leading the Lancashire Student Training Orchestra and then the Youth Orchestra. Age 15 I discovered the thrill of string quartet and set up my own string quartet on arriving at University, performing at charitable events, society dinners, balls, weddings and music society recitals. I was delighted to be invited to join Occasional Strings in early 2007.
What's so good about Occasional Strings: String quartet playing is not only about finding a complex balance of playing styles and interpretations, but also just the right mix of personalities and a shared attitude to performing. The dedication and energy I have found with Occasional Strings makes for both great music and a huge amount of fun, which our audiences really get drawn into.
Most memorable musical moment: Performing Vaughan Williams’ Thomas Tallis Fantasia in Trinity Chapel in a massive end-of-year university concert. The group was Cambridge’s top chamber orchestra, so I was nervous and very exposed, with only 4 people per part. About 5 minutes in, I turned the first page and my heart leapt right out of my mouth when I saw that the next double page was totally blank! We tried to pretend nothing was wrong while I flicked on, and found that there wasn’t a single printed note in the rest of the entire book. We spent the next 20 minutes bowing half a centimetre above the string, copying the desk in front of us, and trying not to cry or laugh!
Day Job: I work for a publishing company and when I am not doing that, I also teach violin and music theory.

Lauren Reed (Second Violin)
Musical Background: I started playing piano aged 7 and then a year later took up the violin. I played in local orchestras, with quartets and for amateur shows, also playing with the Northern Junior Philharmonic for several years. I studied music at Huddersfield University where I played principal in the university orchestras. Since then I have played in various orchestras including the Forest Philharmonic and Lambeth Orchestra. I am currently principal second violin with the South Bank Symphony Orchestra.
What's so good about Occasional Strings: Quartet playing is very different to orchestral playing. I love being able to take the time to work on the finer details of each piece and et our sound as good as it can be.
Most memorable musical moment: I think the moment that sticks out for me was many years ago when I was playing with the NJPO at York Minster. We had an afternoon rehearsal whilst members of the public were visiting. We hit a chord at thee end of one of the movements and the echo was so impressive that the visitors broke out into spontaneous applause.
Day job: I work as a Team Assistant at Reuters in London.

Simon Smith (Viola)
Musical Background: I started playing the violin aged 9 and switched to Viola aged 14. I've played principal or co-principal viola with the Gloucestershire Young People's String Ensenble and whilst at university with the Young Musicians Symphony Orcestra (YMSO) and also the London Arts Orchestra. I was also accepted into the National Youth Orchestra, although decided A-level grades were more important!
What's so good about Occasional Strings: I've been lucky enough to play a great deal of the orchestral repertiore over the years. I've chosen to concentrate on quartet playing so that I can learn new music but also have much more freedom in what we do and when we do it.
Most memorable musical moment: Very difficult... probably doing Mahler's 2nd Symphony at the Barbican, with Strauss Four Last Songs in the first half. Music to die for, quite literally (Mahler being known as the 'Resurrection')! Playing 'Handbags and Gladrags' with the band at my wedding was also very special, although musically rather dodgy (10 mins practise in the car park beforehand).
Day job: I am an economist at a hedge fund in Mayfair, advising the trading team on the global economic outlook and investment decisions.

Paul McLoughlin ('Cello)
Musical Background: Started playing cello aged 9 instantly becoming one of the first non-recorder players in the school music group. Went on to play in various school orchestras (progressing to the front desk!) and the Thames Vale Youth Orchestra. This was followed by a stint with the Birmingham University Orchestra and the bulk of my playing in London has been with the Barnet Symphony Orchestra.
What's so good about Occasional Strings: With just four people in a quartet you're very involved in the music - everyone gets to contribute so there's no sitting around. And there are some great tunes.
Most memorable musical moment: Playing Verdi's Requiem at the Barbican. You can hear your own playing so clearly despite everyone else around you - frightening!
Day job: I work freelance as a Business Analyst for a major bank. I spend my time answering questions, sorting out problems and writing as much documentation as time allows.