Chris Stone played Scottish fiddle music for six years before taking a brief excursion into the classical realm, completing a Bachelor of Music Performance at the Australian National University in 2006. He now plays neither. Chris’ great enthusiasm for fish, fishing, fish farming and fish spotting is almost balanced by his love of books, vintage cheese and organic gardening. He completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Music Performance from the Victorian College of Arts in 2009 and now has a PhD in his sights. Despite a propensity towards excessive use of an over-developed vocabulary, a sad case of dyslexia leaves him struggling to spell his own middle name. It’s John.

Holly Downes became bored of playing bass notes at the back of the orchestra after completing a Bachelor of Music Performance from the Australian National University in 2006. She soon after initiated her covert operation in melodic double bass playing, which is currently finding expression in TSC. She likes baked goods and well-matured cheese, dislikes major chords and holds a Graduate Diploma in Psychology from Melbourne University (2009). She is often found knitting potentially functional items in any comfortable, conveniently located corner.

Graham McLeod began his musical life as a metal guitarist, completing a Bachelor of Contemporary Music through Napier University in 2007. However, a long summer’s tattie rouging gave him the time and space to turn over a new leaf. Graham is a connoisseur of Scots ales, whisky, fine cheese and cats, despite being allergic to at least two of the above. When not touring with TSC, playing with Edinburgh based band 'Modhan' or teaching, Graham enjoys jumping off high things into wet places, ideally orchestrating events so that objects might be thrown for him to catch on the way down.

Virtuosic instrumental trio The String Contingent compose and perform music of sparkling beauty and originality that explores the full spectrum of musical expression. Australians Chris Stone (violin) and Holly Downes (double bass) with Scotsman Graham McLeod (guitar) integrate disparate musical styles through their own refined acoustic sensibilities.

Drawing from genres including celtic, classical, jazz and bluegrass, The String Contingent burnish their original compositions through the clarity and precision of a meticulous ‘chamber music’ ethos. Their multi-faceted approach results in highly accessible yet sophisticated music that captivates audiences from any genre, while retaining their own unique style.