the SMITH quartet: (From Left) Darragh Morgan, Nic Pendlebury, Deirdre Cooper, Ian Humphries

This is what the press had to say regarding their latest CD ‘Different Trains’ :

"... the Smith Quartet's intense sound re-emphasises the rhapsodic ending of the work. Duet and Triple Quartet are also featured here and are played to perfection"
Sunday Independent

"the Smith Quartet on the admirable Signum label is beautifully clear, and played with a rather touching delicacy which brings out the subtle poetry of the ending”
BBC Music Magazine

"This five-star Signum issue ... conveys the emotional power or Reich's uncompromising writing"
Music Week

"the Smiths are impressive in both pieces"
The Guardian


"Shiva Dances... The Smiths did a wonderful job, as confident in that world as they had been in Skempton's (Tendrils) very different one."
Andrew Clements, The Guardian, Tuesday November 23rd, 2004
Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival, regarding world premieres of Kevin Volans - Shiva Dances and Howard Skempton - Tendrils


"A string quartet as shiny, clean and accurate as a CD."
Time Out

"Four superb musicians...the evening one to be treasured...an extraordinarily stimulating recital."
The Irish Times

"Crisp Smiths..."
The Independent

"The adventurous classical Smith Quartet."
The Guardian

"The pomp-rockin', brain-blockin' Smith Quartet."
The Herald, Scotland

"The Smith Quartet are a virtuoso young group."
Financial Times

"More evenings like this and having spare tickets for an evening of modern pieces might become a social asset."
The Independent

"In almost everything they played there was music for all years and ears."
The Herald, Scotland

"The quality of this young ensemble's playing is seriously good."
The Daily Telegraph

"The Smith's have earned a reputation for excellence in their field."
What's On?

"Graham Fitkin's pieces are impeccably performed by the Smith Quartet."
The Gramophone

"One of the zestiest quartets around."
City Limits

"The Smith string foursome are regarded as Britain's answer to the Kronos."
The Guardian

"The Smiths have certainly attracted a considerable cross-over audience."
The Times

"Surreally-clear and heightened sonic sensations...cheers to The Smiths for daring to be different."
Singapore Times

"Steve Mackay's Great Crossing, Great Divide and Walter Hus's Third String Quartet were given readings of heartfelt sincerity."
The Strad

"The Smith Quartet, which excels in theis repertoire gives a committed and outstanding performance throughout."
The Gramophone