Toby White assumes the role in the British ensemble
The UK-based Villiers Quartet has announced the appointment of Toby White as its new cellist, replacing Leo Melvin.
The quartet said it was ’thrilled’ to appoint White, saying: ’Toby joins us at an inspiring moment in the quartet’s journey, and we are very much looking forward to the musical energy, insight, and artistry he brings to the ensemble.’
White commented: ’I am delighted to be joining the Villiers Quartet in the next chapter of their story. The artistry, musicianship and dedication to the medium they bring are infectious and it’s truly inspiring to be a part of the team. I am excited to bring my own experience to the quartet and I look forward to the journey ahead.’
Departing cellist Melvin said: ’I have absolutely loved my time with the Villiers. I’ve learnt so much – truly an unbelievable amount – and really come into my own as a musician.
’The VQ Discovery programme was a particular highlight, as it gave me a chance to explore some of the greatest masterpieces in music. I’ve always found that you learn the most through teaching,’ he said, referring to the ensemble’s digital online course to study string quartets in-depth.
Born in Ripon, North Yorkshire, White has enjoyed a career as a soloist, chamber musician and orchestral player. He studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama with Louise Hopkins, completing his Artist Diploma in 2019, the year he was selected for the Tillett Young Artists Platform and made his Wigmore Hall debut.
White performs regularly across the UK as a soloist and recitalist, appearing with orchestras including the St Cecilia and European Union Chamber Orchestras in repertoire from Haydn to Shostakovich.
From 2017 to 2023, he was a member of the award-winning Jubilee Quartet, performing widely across the UK and Europe, recording for Rubicon Classics, and appearing on BBC Radio 3.
Alongside his performing career, White is a dedicated teacher, giving masterclasses and coaching ensembles. He teaches at Uppingham School and is head of strings at Oakham School in Rutland. He plays an English cello dating from around 1790.
The Villiers Quartet is the quartet-in-residence at the Jacqueline Du Pré Music Building at Oxford University. Named after Villiers Street in London, the Villiers Quartet encompasses the grand and iconic spirit of the extraordinary music tradition in Britain.
The quartet has released acclaimed recordings of works by Elgar, Delius, Peter Racine Fricker, William Sterndale Bennett, David Matthews, William Alwyn, Kuljit Bhamra, MBE, and most recently the Chamber Music of Ailsa Dixon for Resonus Classics in 2025.
The Villiers Quartet initiated new digitally-based projects including VQ Discovery; VQ Create, mentoring secondary school pupils online to compose new music for string quartet; and From Home: VQ Commissions, commissioning new works from 6 diverse British composers to celebrate the VQ’s 10th Anniversary season for 2021.
The Villiers Quartet has been broadcast live on BBC Radio 3 and on NPO Radio 4 live from the Concertgebouw. The VQ has been featured on BBC’s In Tune and also BBC One’s The Andrew Marr Show, and was the quartet on the score to the BBC film Lady Chatterley’s Lover.
As advocates for new and rediscovered music, the VQ has given premieres and performances of music by British composers including Alexander Goehr, Martyn Harry, David Matthews, Elizabeth Kelly, Robert Fokkens, Florence Anna Maunders, Alex Ho, Jasmine Kent Rodgan and Philip Herbert.
Read: Session Report: The Villiers Quartet on recording works by Smyth and Delius
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