Sista Alternative Strings

Our Story

We are sisters and have been playing music together since we could walk! We come from a musical family and our playing is a unique fusion of style and imagination. Professional careers in music became possible when we were awarded bursaries at the age of 12 to attend the Junior Department of the Royal College of Music, London, England.

Our performing experience is vast. At 13 and 15, we were Finalists in the Chamber Music Competition for Schools performing at St. Johns’ Smiths Square, London. Whilst at school, we founded our own Quartet and performed in the presence of the Prime Minister of England, John Major and recently played for the Australian Prime Minister in 2001. We appeared live on British television, “The Big Breakfast” show and we have both performed for royalty-Sarah for Prince Charles at Ripon Cathedral Festival and Louise for the Queen Mum and Princess Diana at the Royal Northern College of Music where she studied.

Louise was awarded an impressive array of chamber music prizes for her contribution and commitment to the Chamber Music School RNCM and as a result, was given a teaching position there. As a student she frequently played for many music societies and International Music Festivals playing in venues such as the Purcell Room, Wigmore Hall, Royal Albert Hall, South Bank and St. Martin-in-the-Fields. She has performed in the best concert halls in the world touring with BBC Philharmonic and Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestras to name but two and played at Stately Homes, hospital wards, libraries and museums, cathedrals and churches, Bishop’s Palaces and castles, wineries and even banana plantations!

Since migrating here in 2003 Louise has been incredibly busy not only setting up home with her husband and little boy Joshua but she has also found the time to tour with The Australian Chamber Orchestra, she is currently principal cellist of QLD Pops orchestra and freelances with the Queensland Orchestra as well as performing with contemporary group Topology she has founded Tulipwood string quartet and performs regular solo recitals.

Sarah migrated in 2000 having met her Australian husband whilst at Uni in the uk. Since being here Sarah has built up a strong teaching practise, privately as well as tutoring at Matthew Flinders Anglican College and Immanuel Lutheran College. She performs regularly in Baroque ensembles both on the coast and in Brisbane and just loves collaborating with local singer song writers improvising and recording session work. Sarah has recently been overseas with her husband and little girl Farrah on a big year round trip. Now we’re back, we’re in the same continent, SISTA is here to stay, living and playing on the Coast, offering our alternative musical style.

Contact Details

Mobile: 0408 633 250
E-mail: sistamusic@hotmail.com

Hours of Operation

By appointment.

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