Unrivalled as New Zealand's premier string quartet, The Black Quartet are a sophisticated, versatile group of extremely talented young musicians, offering a contemporary take on this classic ensemble style.
They have collaborated with the likes of Kanye West, Six60 and Ladyhawke, appeared in television commercials and accompanied Hayley Westernra, performed at Christmas in the Park and Rhythm and Vines, toured the world and composed for some of the world's biggest brands.
The calibre of their musicianship is matched by the cool, contemporary style and attitude they bring to their art form.
Founding members - Jess Hindin and Mahuia Bridgman-Cooper
Jess Hindin
After completion of Jessica’s performance violin degree at Auckland University, she successfully auditioned for the internationally touring world music stage show “Barrage" based in Alberta Canada.
After almost 6 years of extensive touring, encompassing 5 continents which included television appearances in Great Britain, Europe, USA and China, she returned home to continue a career as a freelance musician.
Since then she has toured the length of New Zealand on many occasions with different bands and shows and is regularly recording for various artists of multiple styles encompassing Classical, Folk, Celtic, Gypsy Jazz.
Mahuia Bridgman-Cooper
Mahuia Bridgman-Cooper (MMus) (Violin Performance) is a composer/producer and an accomplished violinist. He has played and produced for a variety of artists and ensembles including Lawrence Arabia to Hayley Westenra. He has been nominated for many awards including the APRA Maioha award, the Vodafone NZ Best Maori Album and Axis Soundtrack of the Year. He has produced numerous compositions for many production houses including Liquid Studios but currently resides at Franklin Rd where he has composed music for Volkswagen, ASB, State Insurance, Burger King, Kia, McDonalds, Farmers, AA Insurance, Sky TV, Toyota, Vodafone, TVNZ, Fresh Up, Sanitarium & LTNZ (Ghost Chips) among many others.
The Black, as a quartet or individually, have worked with:
Kanye West
Hayley Westenra
The Feelers
Op Shop
Ladyhawke
Six60
Boh Runga
Eileen Page
Geoff Sewell 'Incognito Artists'
Moana and the Tribe
Maisey Rica
Sir Howard Morrison
Rhythm and Vines
APRA Awards
Lawrence Arabia
Paul McLaney
SJD
Brooke Fraser
Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra
Auckland Chamber Orchestra
Christmas In The Park
X Factor
NZ Got Talent
Vodafone Music Awards
Stars In Their Eyes
Lakeside, Rotorua
Geoff Sewell, Incognito Artists
Tim Beverage shows
Operatunity tours
A massive thank you to The Black Quartet for their superb performance at Tourism New Zealand’s Business Events National Awards Dinner. They created a wonderful atmosphere and added another layer of sophistication to the event. Many of the guests commented on the calibre of the beautiful music and the great selection of classic kiwi songs they performed. I was also extremely impressed with their professionalism. Would highly recommend.
— Anna Ward, Tourism New Zealand
The Black Quartet played beautifully as I welcomed guests to my event. They are professional, creative and immensely talented. It was a great pleasure to enjoy the great classics as well as their surprising interpretations of contemporary songs.
— Mike Ballantyne, Private Party
The quartet were great, very professional and worked well with us on the evening despite some short notice timing changes from our side. Guests appreciated the vibe and it made a nice change from the jazzy feel we have gone for in previous years.
— Nick Davion, Variety – The Children’s Charity
The trio were awesome! We practiced with a recording the day before our wedding, but when they played on the day it was even better! Absolute professionals - please pass on our sincere thanks to them.
— Sally and Ross, Private Party
Where to begin? We had very high expectations of the quartet and they exceeded them by a mile! Everything was absolutely perfect, and we had guests telling us how beautiful the music was. Please pass on our sincerest thanks to the players. They really added an extra level of elegance, and in no way could I fault them. Thank you for your help, and your prompt and friendly service throughout this process. It is hugely appreciated!
— Georgia and David, Private Party
