It is with great sadness that we share the news of the death of Philip Gallaway, distinguished violinist and founding member of the Coull Quartet, who passed away on 22 October 2025.
Philip was a valued tutor and performer at Benslow Music, known for his warmth and wisdom. His presence enriched many of our courses and his legacy lives on in the musicians he inspired. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Philip was a founding member of the Coull Quartet, formed in 1974 by students at the Royal Academy of Music under the guidance of the renowned quartet leader Sidney Griller. The ensemble quickly gained national recognition and was appointed Quartet-in-Residence at the University of Warwick in 1977 - a position they held for over forty years.
Philip performed and broadcasted extensively, along with the rest of the Coull Quartet. They were known throughout the UK and internationally, touring Western Europe, the Americas, Australia, China, India and East Asia. Since the mid-1980s, they have made over 30 recordings, ranging from the complete Mendelssohn and Schubert quartets to 20th-century and contemporary British chamber music. Their acclaimed CD of quartets by Maw and Britten was featured as ‘Editor’s Choice’ in Gramophone and described as the ‘Benchmark Recording’ by BBC Music Magazine.
Philip’s colleagues have asked us to reassure you that the Coull Quartet will continue their upcoming course and concert at Benslow Music.
We invite you to share your memories of Philip by emailing info@benslowmusic.org, which we will share on our website in his honour.