The Ayoub Sisters

The Ayoub Sisters emerged as a crossover duo that fused classical traditions with contemporary techniques, employing loop station technology to enable seamless instrument changes during live sets. Born three years apart in Milngavie—a commuter town outside Glasgow, Scotland—to Egyptian immigrant parents, Sarah and Laura Ayoub were immersed in classical music from childhood through frequent family visits to RSNO concerts. Sarah studied cello and piano at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland before relocating to London, where Laura pursued violin and piano at the Royal College of Music. In 2014 the pair claimed first place in the national contest The Big Music Project, earning a slot at the Royal Albert Hall under the auspices of Classic FM. Pop producer Mark Ronson discovered their distinctive YouTube rendition of his track “Uptown Funk” in 2016 and invited them to appear at the BRIT Awards; combined with their acclaimed Royal Albert Hall performance, this exposure led to a Decca contract. Their self-titled debut album, captured at Abbey Road with the Royal Philharmonic, arrived in September 2017 and entered the U.K. classical chart at number one. The eclectic collection blended core classical repertoire with Scottish and Middle Eastern folk themes plus pop adaptations, among them the Ronson-produced “Uptown Funk.” To support the release, the sisters joined choirmaster Gareth Malone on tour.