THE story of the classical trained, Scots/Egyptian duo known as "The Ayoub Sisters" has an almost Alice in Wonderland quality. Although instead of falling down a rabbit hole, they’ve been catapulted up the ladder of success, into the realms of stardom. From entertaining family and friends they’ve gone to wowing audiences at the Royal Albert Hall. Now, after signing with Decca, one of the biggest record labels in the country, they’re looking forward to the launch of their debut album, entitled, of course, The Ayoub Sisters. Taking time out from their busy schedule, the girls share some of the highlights of their musical odyssey.

Still sounding slightly incredulous, twenty-one year old Laura, the violinist, starts the conversation with a recap of how, famous music producer, Mark Ronson discovered them on YouTube.

“It really was amazing luck” she says in an accent that reveals her Scottish upbringing. “For us, it all began as a bit of fun. My sister and I decided to make a video and Uptown Funk was the first cover we’d attempted to play. We weren’t sure about it at first as classical music can be a little judgemental. Still, we decided to take a leap of faith and go for it. Our video was actually quite primitive but we went ahead and uploaded it to YouTube. That was on a Monday and by the end of the week Mark was on the phone. It was sheer coincidence that he’d been online and came across our video!”

Serendipity may have played a role in their online discovery, but it was the girls' talent that made Ronson choose them, from over 10,000 other performers and feature them in a presentation at the 2016 BRIT awards.

Described by her sister as the "more reserved" of the pair, twenty-four year old cellist Sarah, tells how life suddenly turned surreal.

“Sometimes, I have to pinch myself to make sure it’s really happening! I still can’t believe it. We’ve had so many incredible experiences along the way. But recording at Abbey Road is definitely among the highlights. I mean it’s such an iconic place. All the big names recorded there.”

“Yes and now we can say we did too!” Laura, the sister who can allegedly "talk for Scotland", interjects.

Performing at the Royal Albert Hall is a major event in any artist’s career. For the Ayoub sisters, it turned out more of a family affair.

“Honestly, it looked like a family wedding or something!” Laura giggles. “Our family actually arrived by the bus load. Some even flew in from the States! It was such a huge deal for them. For us, performing in such an historic setting was an amazing honour, especially as we got to do our own arrangements. Although we also felt pressured to get everything right. On the whole it was exciting but a bit nerve-wracking at the same time.”

Heralded as the new faces of the classical and cross-over world, the sister’s love of music has its roots in childhood. Did they always see it as a career?

Sarah, who holds a first class BMus Honours degree from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is first to reply.

“Mum loved classical music and tuned into Classic FM all the time. So I grew up surrounded by those beautiful sounds. Of course, as I got older, I did listen to and enjoy other genres. Even from an early age, knew I wanted to make music my career. I wasn’t sure which area I’d choose but I knew I didn’t want to do anything else. For me, the only dilemma was which instrument to focus on.”

Her sister Laura was less sure.

“At Douglas Academy, there was definitely an intensity around music but I also studied all the usual subjects as well. I really enjoyed biology and chemistry and, for a while I thought I’d follow my dad into medicine. Then when a letter arrived offering me a place at the Royal School of Music, for the first time, I knew exactly where my heart lay! Now I know I made the right choice.”

Classic FM may have filled the air at home but Sarah remembers how dad’s car rocked to a different beat.

“Dad loved Queen and Boney M. He had them playing on a loop in the car. Every time he drove us anywhere, one of them would be blaring away. Even today, I love their music!”

It’s obvious they’re both serious musicians. Both also play piano, and Sarah played Rhapsody in Blue with the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland in July this year. She tells me a little about their "classical cross-over" sound and why it means so much to them.

“As classically-trained musicians we could have continued down the traditional route. Instead we opted for a chance to be creative, to put our own stamp on music. We have a diverse range of repertoire and arrange all our own music. We love classical but we also enjoy other genres and they’ve had an influence on our creativity. We both enjoy what we do, even though it takes time and planning to achieve a great product. I think it’s exciting to introduce others to the different styles.”

They’re obviously close but doesn’t working together place a strain on their relationship? Both girls answer in unison: “No!”

Sarah explains: “It might sound strange but, even though we’re together practically every minute of the day, we really do get along, it just works. Our parents taught us that shouting at each doesn’t solve anything. It wasn’t acceptable in our home. So we’re very tolerant and patient. Of course, we do disagree sometimes, especially if Laura tries to persuade me to go to the gym!”

“She’s right, we do get along extremely well,” Laura chimes in. “I mean, as musicians, we have to be in sync. It wouldn’t work otherwise because it would show in our performance. Naturally, we do differ in our opinions, especially concerning the gym. I like to blow off steam by working out but Sarah isn’t keen at all. We don’t have a lot of free time but when we do, we like to hang out, catching up with friends from home.”

On the subject of romance, once again both girls are in agreement. “No time!” Laura laughs,while her sister echoes the sentiment.

There’s no doubt the girls enjoy a close bond. The unique harmony of their sibling relationship, is equally evident in their music. In fact, as well as being able to swap instruments during play, they’re believed to be the only act in the world who can play two instruments together through one loop station. Given that, do they ever envisage a time when a solo career might be on the cards?

There’s a slight pause as each allows the other a moment to reflect.

“No,” Laura is first to speak. “I couldn’t see that at all. It’s not something I’ve ever thought about, I really couldn’t imagine it.”

Sarah is quick to agree. “No, I couldn’t either. As individuals we’re both musicians but its only when we’re together that we make the sound of ‘The Ayoub Sisters.’ I wouldn’t want that to change.”

The Ayoub Sisters is released by Decca on Friday [Sept 22]