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Woodland Strings
Music has a way of turning fleeting moments into timeless memories. Like nature itself, it shifts with the light, changes with the seasons, and moves us in ways words often cannot. At Hand Picked Hotels, we believe in creating experiences that feel just as magical where surroundings, people, and atmosphere come together in perfect harmony.
This is exactly what unfolded during our recent photo shoot at Rhinefield House Hotel, deep in the heart of the New Forest, with The Bossard String Quartet: four extraordinary musicians who bring both elegance and energy to every performance. Their story, like their music, is one of deep connection, balance, and a shared joy for making moments unforgettable.
For founder and violinist Amy Nichols, music is more than notes on a page. “We’re constantly inspired by nature,” she reflects. “Given how much we perform in stunning outdoor settings like Rhinefield House, those surroundings always influence our playing.”
The quartet often draws inspiration from Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons – and its modern reinvention by Max Richter – to capture the essence of nature’s changing moods. From light, playful melodies in summer to richer, more reflective tones in autumn, they tailor their performances to suit the unique atmosphere of each event.
“A string quartet is such a delicate balance – it demands incredible partnership and teamwork.”
Amy Nichol
First violinist Anna explains, “A string quartet is such a delicate balance – it demands incredible partnership and teamwork. Every note, every phrase, relies on us listening intently to each other, anticipating, and breathing together. We’ve truly become a family, celebrating successes and lifting each other up through tougher times, and that long-standing bond allows us to create those deeply connected musical moments.”
The quartet’s commitment to reflecting the beauty of nature extends beyond their repertoire. They curate their performances to match the unique atmosphere of each setting, selecting lighter pop arrangements for summer garden parties and customising their music to resonate with the ambience of specific locations.
“From the moment we turn onto the serene Rhinefield Ornamental Drive, we feel ourselves entering a truly magical place.”
In Rhinefield House, nestled in the heart of the New Forest, the musicians find an environment that deeply influences their music. “From the moment we turn onto the serene Rhinefield Ornamental Drive, we feel ourselves entering a truly magical place,” Amy describes. “The tranquil surroundings, coupled with the architectural beauty of the house, inspire us to play with an even greater sense of awe and appreciation, and those beautiful surroundings always deepen our connection as a quartet.”
