Helena Nicholls was born in London in 1986 and received her musical education at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge whilst under the tuition of Howard Davis, and at the Royal Academy of Music, with Remus Azoitei. In addition to her work with the Solstice Quartet, Helena enjoys performances as an orchestral leader and soloist. As a soloist Helena performed Messiaen's Fantaisie with pianist Robin Davis in the Southbank 2008 Messiaen Festival. She premiered works for violin and piano by Richard Bullen and Martin Georgiev in the Duke's Hall at the Royal Academy as part of the Mayor of London's "Story of London Cultural Campaign" in June 2009. She has played "The Lark Ascending" at St John's, Smith Square and Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto with the orchestra of the Blackheath Halls and the James Allen Community Orchestra. Helena works regularly in ensembles such as the Aurora Orchestra, the English Chamber Orchestra and the Dmitri Ensemble. Helena is very grateful to the Countess of Munster Musical Trust whose award supported her through her studies.