String quintet Toscana Strings was founded in 2002 with all members having studied at Birmingham Conservatoire.

Their Stories Set To Music concerts were launched in 2018 with the aim of delivering premium quality live music in primary schools in a fun and interactive way. In 2009 Toscana Strings was awarded Best Workshop Provider by Primary Music Magazine and two years later joined forces with Laura Tye, former soloist with Birmingham Royal Ballet. This collaboration has gone from strength to strength and concerts are now performed in schools and public venues. To date Toscana Strings and Laura Tye have performed to over 40,000 children.

 

There are six different stories available, all are with narration and are performed by string quintet and dance. Each story lasts approximately 40 minutes.
 

Laura Tye

Laura started dancing at the age of eight at a local dance school in the United Kingdom. Taking part in various productions and youth dance performances her love of performing became undeniable. At the age of 16, she was awarded a full scholarship to The Royal Ballet School in London. During her time at RBS, she was frequently chosen to perform with The Royal Ballet at The Royal Opera House in Covent Garden and also with Birmingham Royal Ballet for their UK tours. She was offered a contract to join Birmingham Royal Ballet at age 18.

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During her 20-year professional career with Birmingham Royal Ballet, she performed in a variety of ballets, dance festivals, and galas in prestigious international venues around the world. Regularly performing in Tokyo, Beijing, New York, and London. She also had two daughters while continuing to progress and reach the rank of Soloist.