Stephanie Benedetti, Kirsty Mangan, Natalie Holt and Rachael Lander formed Raven in 2007. They hail from the Royal Academy of Music, Royal College of Music, Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester University and the National Film and Television School. Disillusioned by the traditional “background” role of the string quartet, Raven provide a refreshing antidote with their energetic interpretation of classical repertoire, challenging the conventions of traditional chamber music. Raven’s eclectic set list includes works from Vivaldi to Morricone and has already impressed audiences around the country, from the Reading and Leeds festivals with Mercury nominated band The Last Shadow Puppets, to centre stage at the London Palladium. Raven has performed and recorded with artists such as Gorillaz, Jools Holland, Leona Lewis, Gwen Stefani and Heather Nova. In the summer of 2008, Raven were the resident quartet for the BBC 2 series, Maestro. They recorded the backing strings for Lady Sovereign's newly released album, 'Jigsaw', and in 2009 supported Hayley Westenra and Jonathan Ansell on their 'Valentine's' tour of the UK. as well as the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at Rochester Castle. They also recently perform at the 7/07 memorial in Hyde Park in the presence of HRH Prince Charles.The girls have recently recorded their promotional album 'Raven' at Pinewood Studios, which has been featured on Classic FM.
Hey girls! Had a fantastic time at Banbury last night. Your Bolero was fantastic, but I absolutely loved the 'Scottish' Medley' you played. Can you tell us more about it? Will it be on your next album?
Rehearsals begin this week for our tour with Hayley Westenra. We are going to some beautiful venues throughout England. Hope to see some of you there. You can get tickets at www.seetickets.com
Hi Everyone. We are back from Japan, had an amazing trip and fingers crossed we'll be going back next year. We just wanted to let you know that we recently recorded with composer Patrick Hawes on his recent Album Fair Albion. You can find us playing with Elin Manahan Thomas on The Call and playing Ascension, the string quartet written especially for us. Hope you enjoy xx
Just another quick note we are also off to Japan to play at the Music in the Air TV Gala in Tokyo. If you're in Japan tune in - if not find out more about us by following the link below.
Thanks for the really supportive messages. It's great to hear feedback from people who have seen us in concert or heard the CD. If you are trying to get a copy of the CD it is now available online at Earthquake Ltd.
Superb (at Buxton) indeed, but what a pity you seem always to be scheduled as '2nd fiddle' to someone else -- except for that memorable open-air performance at Cambridge market which I was lucky to stumble upon by accident!
How are you all keeping, you seem to be very busy at the moment, I might get to see you perform again one day when I get myself sorted out, time just seems to be flying by at the moment.
I loved your album, and still play it when I get the chance.
Hope you have a wonderful day whatever you have planned.
Hi Raven Thanks for the add. My wife and I saw you on the Valentine tour with HW & JA in Lowestoft, London, Eastbourne & Dartford and thought you were great. Christine & Colin
Hi I saw in Bournemouth and thought you were briliant, I loved the Godfather piece...and I didnt clap too soon! lol I am an artist, I hope you like my paintings www. paulstillwell-art. com Good luck Paul x
Hello I guess you are in rehearsal,for the tour I do hope the weather improves Im going to London Palladium performance As they say in the world of theatre''break a leg'' Have a super weekend
-- except for that memorable open-air performance at Cambridge market which I was lucky to stumble upon by accident!
