Cara Berridge : cello

Cara began her musical journey as a violinist, but in her early teens she discovered the cello and was immediately drawn to its rich, resonant sound. This pivotal change shaped her future as a musician. She was fortunate to study with the inspiring Anna Shuttleworth, whose generosity, guidance, and dedication played a crucial role in nurturing  Cara’s passion and helping her develop into the accomplished cellist she is today.

A passionate chamber musician, Cara thrives on collaboration and the creative energy that comes from working closely with others. She regularly performs with a wide range of ensembles and artists, including Perpetuo, the London Bridge Trio, and violinist Fenella Humphreys. She is also a frequent performer at the New Paths Festival, where she enjoys connecting with audiences through diverse and engaging programmes.

Cara is equally committed to education and mentoring the next generation of musicians. She enjoys teaching privately and is a chamber music coach at the Royal College of Music, where her quartet holds the position of Quartet in Association. Teaching is a deeply rewarding part of her career, and she takes great pride in inspiring young musicians to develop their skills, confidence, and love for music.

As a founding member of the Sacconi Quartet, Cara has established herself on the international stage. The quartet has received numerous awards at prestigious international competitions and has performed at many of London’s leading venues, including Wigmore Hall, Kings Place, Cadogan Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, the Purcell Room, and Conway Hall. Their performances have also taken them across the UK and throughout Europe, appearing in renowned venues such as the Bridgewater Hall, Musikverein, Muziekgebouw, L’Auditori in Barcelona, and the Auditorio Nacional de Música in Madrid, as well as in countries including Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, France, Finland, Norway, and the Czech Republic.

Cara has recorded extensively with the Sacconi Quartet, releasing works on their own label as well as with Signum and Albion. In addition to her quartet work, she performs with chamber orchestras, collaborates with Ensemble Perpetuo, and contributes to recordings for film and television.

She graduated from the Royal College of Music in 2002 with First Class Honours and continued her studies with Melissa Phelps as the Amaryllis Fleming Scholar, earning both a Postgraduate Diploma and an Advanced Diploma with Distinction. Cara performs on a 1781 Nicolaus Gagliano cello, generously loaned to her by the Royal Society of Musicians, a charity dedicated to supporting musicians in need.