The Scullery Quintet

The Scullery Quintet is an innovative South African ensemble that artfully bridges the realms of classical and contemporary music. Formed in early 2020, amidst the challenging backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, this diverse group of musicians came together with a shared purpose: to explore their varied musical influences and sustain their artistic pursuits.

The Quintet comprises a non-traditional string configuration, featuring a standard string quartet that includes a first violin, second violin, and viola, while creatively substituting the traditional cello role with a contrabass. To complement this setup, a drum set serves as the fifth member of the ensemble, further enriching their unique sound.

The Scullery Quintet's repertoire is a testament to its members’ eclectic musical backgrounds and influences. Their performances draw inspiration from a myriad of genres, ranging from classical and jazz fusion to Latin American, African, and pop music. This rich tapestry of styles is crafted with the discipline and precision characteristic of classical music, while simultaneously embracing the improvisational spirit of jazz. By presenting their interpretations in a fun, approachable manner, The Scullery Quintet strives to captivate both discerning music aficionados and casual listeners alike.

The ensemble's leadership is anchored by the esteemed Peter Auret, a three-time SAMA award- winning jazz drummer. Joining him are talented musicians Waldo Luc Alexander and Hana Yim-Wahl on Violins. Tiisetso Mashishi on Viola and bassist Viwe Mkizwana.

The Scullery Quintet's growing reputation has led to performances at several prestigious events, including the Wakkerstroom Music Festival, Atterbury Klassiek, and the US Woordfees, where they received a nomination for Best Classical Music Performance. Their captivating performances have also graced the stages of RMB Latitudes, the Goethe Institute, the Silver Mountain Music Festival, the Hermanus FYNARTS festival, and the Unisa Concert Series.