A multi-talented duo on a mission to break down musical barriers
Their upcoming debut album ‘Seasons in Time’ encompasses a wide range of musical genres, from 16th Century lute songs to their own up-tempo arrangements of modern folk, jazz and original compositions, all presented with a winning combination of stunning musicianship and intimate story-telling. The album will be released under the independent record label Deux-Elles, and they have support from the Royal Academy of Music and City Music Foundation as CMF Artists.
Eleanor and Gus formed their duo as second year undergraduates at the Royal Academy of Music. While working together, they became aware of their mutual passion for exploring multiple genres, from the Renaissance period to the present day, embracing folk and jazz influences. They became holders of the Musicians’ Company’s prestigious New Elizabethan Award 2022/23, leading to their debut at the Wigmore Hall in February 2023. Since then, they have performed at various venues and festivals, such as Kings Place (London), St Georges Stapleford Granary (Cambridge), St George’s Bristol and Dillington Guitar Festival.
From Dowland to Dankworth, Britten to Joni Mitchell and many lesser known composers, Eleanor and Gus will draw you into their musical world with a sublime combination of words, melodies, rhythms and harmonies.
Eleanor Grant and Gus McQuade have been captivating audiences with their unique combination of voice, guitar and double bass since their stunning debut recital at London's Wigmore Hall in 2023.
Eleanor Grant
Hailed as “one of Britain's greatest talents” (Hollywood in Vienna 2019), Eleanor Grant is an accomplished singer, double bassist and bass guitarist, holding versatility at the core of her identity.
She started singing at the tender age of ten, starring in the film Nativity! 2, and recording for composers such as Rachel Portman, Alan Menken, and top record producer, Guy Chambers. She sings on the soundtracks of several films, including Dream House (soloist opening titles), Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, Cinderella, Cruella, and Disney’s live-action remakes of Aladdin and The Little Mermaid. Her voice opened Disney Dreams, the 20th anniversary show of Disneyland Paris. She is a vocal soloist for Avex Classic's Titanic LIVE (France 2019, Taiwan 2023), and in October 2018, Eleanor made her Royal Albert Hall solo debut at the world premiere screening of The English Patient LIVE performed live by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Eleanor has also performed The English Patient at the Shanghai Oriental Art Centre with the Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as at the Philharmonie Luxembourg (Orchestre Philharmonique du Luxembourg). In 2019, she was invited by Gabriel Yared to be his soprano soloist in the televised gala concert 'Hollywood in Vienna', where Yared was presented with the 2019 Max Steiner Film Music Achievement Award. She returned as a soloist at Hollywood in Vienna in September 2022 for Alan Menken, singing 'Part of Your World' from The Little Mermaid.
Gus McQuade
Gus McQuade is a distinguished classical guitarist from Leamington Spa. He recently completed his Master’s degree with distinction from the Royal Academy of Music, where he was honored with the prestigious Regency Award, recognizing his exceptional studentship and success.
Gus’s achievements include the Blyth Watson Award and the Timothy Gilson Prize, alongside being runner-up in both the Leicester Music Competition and the Royal Classics Guitar Concerto Prize. His studies were supported by generous scholarships from the Drake Calleja Trust, Help Musicians, Craxton Memorial Trust, and the Royal Academy of Music. An accomplished performer, Gus appears regularly as a soloist and chamber musician, captivating audiences at some of the UK’s most celebrated venues and festivals. Recent highlights include performances at the Southbank Centre’s Purcell Room, Kings Place, St. Bartholomew-the-Great and the Royal Academy of Music.
Whilst studying at the Academy Gus has performed in masterclasses with some of the world’s leading guitarists, including David Russell, Fabio Zanon, Paul Galbraith, and Xuefei Yang, as well as the renowned lutenist Nigel North. Deeply committed to expanding the guitar repertoire, Gus frequently collaborates with composers and is an avid arranger, creating works for his various chamber ensembles.
