Our Story, Our Roots

Established in 2009, in a specialist music school nestled in England's s smallest city, ‘Wells Virtuosi’ was founded by Matthew Souter, distinguished violist and conductor. Under Souter’s baton his group toured extensively and soon developed an international audience and reputation becoming a magnet for world class young musicians, many from diverse corners of the globe and each drawn by the promise of musical excellence.

International prize-winning violinist and guest leader of the numerous ensembles including the Ulster Orchestra, Eleanor Corr wrote:

“I was lucky enough to benefit from three years of Matthew’s outstanding teaching…….
Matthew lifted the standard to a level that no-one had previously considered possible.”

In rehearsal Souter created and cultivated a unique and beautiful string sound with incredible synergy amongst the players. 

“Looking back it was chamber music of the highest level, with each player feeling indispensable to the whole and as this often marked our very first exposure to the great musical masterpieces, it set the bar for whatever would come next.”

Souter’s own chamber group the Alberni String Quartet has been for many years at the forefront of British musical education; they succeeded the Amadeus Quartet as Quartet in Residence at The Royal Academy of Music, London. This placed Souter in an especially qualified position to be able to instill in us all exceptional levels of ensemble skills and to share his deep musical insights. 

“The joy and inspiration that we experienced through Wells Virtuosi was phenomenal and continues to permeate our ensemble playing today. The orchestra brought us an undeniable advantage once we continued our musical paths at conservatory and in our subsequent careers in the professional world.”

“Even as students Matthew Souter treated us as professional musicians and we all worked together to create exceptional and memorable musical experiences. I’ve never since experienced such focus and awareness from every player in an orchestra.”

“Ein Abend, der die Steele tief berührt”. - “An evening that touches the soul deeply” — Südkurier

“Faszinierende Klangkultur und große Virtuosität.” -“Fascinating sound culture and great virtuosity” — Schwäbische Zeitung

“the best musical ambassadors for their country.” — Rems-Zeitung

Over a ten year period the orchestra under Souter toured extensively throughout the United Kingdom and Europe, garnering acclaim for its heartfelt performances and rich sound. 

Since then countless musicians from the orchestra have achieved renowned careers worldwide, yet somehow the electricity felt during those early years many of us feel has been unmatched.

“The performances of our string chamber orchestra have been amongst the most memorable and captivating musical moments for me both as a performer and as a listener.”

Our story so far is about an extraordinary partnership of creativity; most obviously between us the players, but even more fundamentally, between us and our conductor Matthew Souter. It is this long established living and breathing embodiment of musical collaboration that we believe to be so special and something that together enables us on the concert platform to connect deeply with our audiences. 

“…..the level of commitment and passion that was emanating and radiating from this ensemble has been unmatched in my professional life and that’s why I am truly thrilled to bring this to the table and to start something quite remarkable.”

‘Ein Klangerlebnis, das unter die Haut ging und innerlich berührte’ - “A sound experience that went under the skin and touched inside” - Südkurier