The United Strings of Europe (USE) creates musical experiences that celebrate diversity and bridge cultural divides. Praised for its original programming and ‘virtuosically expressive’ playing (★★★★ The Times), the London-based ensemble commissions and arranges music from a variety of musical cultures and backgrounds. Fostering collaborations with renowned soloists including soprano Héloïse Werner, violinists Amalia Hall and Itamar Zorman, and flautist Sébastian Jacot, USE also holds annual residencies in the UK (London and Cambridge), France, Lebanon and Switzerland.

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, USE signed a multi-record deal with leading independent classical label BIS Records, releasing its debut album In Motion to critical acclaim in November 2020. Featuring world premiere recordings and bespoke arrangements of music spanning three continents and four different centuries, the album showcases the ensemble’s infectious energy and stylistic versatility. USE’s second album Renewal (out in January 2022) featuring soprano Ruby Hughes will explore themes of loss and transformation. The agreement with BIS will see the ensemble record and release a new album every year.

Armed with the belief that music and ensemble playing can enrich people’s lives and promote cross-cultural understanding, the ensemble is committed to reaching new audiences through education work and initiatives that engage refugees and marginalised groups with partnerships in the UK and overseas.