Ensemble Obbligato is a group of professional musicians based in the Charente, organized by Laura Springham, viola/violin.  She is joined by cellist Gaereth Roberts and local professional violinists Katharine Senior, Marc Elysee, and Agnès Delarbre. It's up to your budget and preference which combination of instruments you would like for your special day.

We are constantly adding to our repertoire.  Click HERE for sample song lists for duo and trio.

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Originally from Scotland, Gaereth began her cello studies at the age of 8. She studied at the Junior department of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (now the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland), with Grace Dick in Glasgow, Christopher Bunting in London, and was a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland. While studying music at Glasgow University, she also played viola da gamba and double bass. In addition to her Bachelor of Music degree, Gaereth holds an LTCL diploma in cello performance from Trinity College, London, and did further post-graduate studies in baroque cello at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis, Switzerland.

Throughout her time at university, Gaereth taught cello for local authority music departments, and this became her full-time job on her return to Scotland from Switzerland. In addition to teaching pupils from 4 years to adult (many of these privately), she set up and organised several youth string and symphony orchestras, and arranged music for various ensembles. Many former pupils have gone on to enjoy professional music careers of their own.

Gaereth has actively performed as a professional freelance musician since she was a teenager. She has played for professional chamber and symphony orchestras, theatre orchestras and chamber groups throughout Scotland. With her own professional string quartet, Obbligato, Gaereth has performed at weddings, fundraisers, corporate events, family parties etc, arranging music to enhance each special event, and has performed in episodes of local tv dramas including "Taggart."

Gaereth now lives in the lovely Charente region of southwest France with her extended family. She plays in the Orchestre Josquin des Prés in Poitiers, various chamber groups, and collaborates with Laura for concerts, weddings and other special events.

Available for cello lessons (4 years to adult, beginner to advanced), and as a solo cello or duet for weddings and special events.

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