Female-led string quartet strikes a chord in Winchester

The Bossard String Quartet returned to Winchester on Friday for another candlelit evening full of reimagined 90s hits.

In 2007, four women came together and formed what is now the Bossard String Quartet, a female-led ensemble that has grown into a thriving business.

Anna, Amy, Ruth, and Sophie perform at weddings, events, and parties in local counties, all while running their business with a strong focus on creativity, collaboration, and female leadership.

Their return to Winchester this week drew a lively crowd, with the group performing a variety of 90s hits from Oasis to the Spice Girls.

They even took requests from the audience, giving them the opportunity to hear their favourite songs like never before.

Behind the elegance of their performances lies the reality of running a creative business, from marketing and managing bookings to balancing rehearsal schedules and day-to-day admin.

However, they say being a female-led business gives them a unique outlook on teamwork and supporting one another through the pressures of the industry.

Founder and Violinist Amy Nichols said: “It’s been really amazing to have that mutual support and connection for one another.

“We do a lot of weddings as well which tends to be female dominated. It tends to be the bride contacting us and we’re able to really empathise with them and understand their needs.”

As they wrapped up another Winchester performance, one thing is clear: these four women are not only making music – they’re making their mark.