Since 2009, Scottish Strings have had a blast playing at countless weddings and other fabulous events every year from their base in Glasgow. They offer a wide playlist but specialise in pop covers. They are postgraduates of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and all freelance with Scotland's professional orchestras.
Scottish Strings have appeared on BBC Radio 3, Classic FM and BBC television, as part of various series and festivals including Celtic Connections. Their corporate clients include British Airways, Boots, Coast, The Scotsman, The Sun and Waitrose. They have also performed live on BBC World Radio to 40 million listeners, played at the Commonwealth Games 2014 and been featured on a Bank of Scotland advert.
They have performed across Europe, including Germany, Italy, Norway, Mauritius and France. Artists they've worked with include Andrea Bocelli, Katherine Jenkins, Sarah Brightman, Richard E Grant, Alfie Boe, Runrig, Rod Stewart and Belle & Sebastian. Collectively their wealth of professional experience includes performing with various orchestras and ensembles including the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet, Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Raymond Gubbay Orchestras. They have an extensive repertoire of music including pop, jazz, movie themes, musicals, classical and folk. They are equally at home providing background music to an event, or putting on a show or concert.
By Scottish Strings
Pop
TV / Film / Musicals
Jazz & Big Band
Beatles
Classical & Opera
Spanish / Latin
Folk
Indian & Bollywood
Jewish
Chinese
Hymns
Christmas
Carolyn Ford
I just wanted to say a big thank you for the musicians who played at our wedding in the Signet Library on 12th July. The trio were very professional in coming and setting up and playing before, during and after the ceremony. We were really happy with the music and have had lots of compliments from the guests. Thanks again for playing a part in our big day!
We give you a bespoke price based on the exact location of your event. The pricing below is based on a central location for your area so you have an idea of what your price will be. The exact price will be given in the booking process after you’ve provided the location details.
I’ve booked a piper, How’s that going to work?
We work alongside pipers for a large number of weddings. Typically the piper pipes the guests from their transport to the door of the venue, in most cases a church or hotel. If the piper can be heard from inside the ceremony venue, we will take over from him/her roughly 15-20 minutes prior to the bridal entrance. If the piper can not be heard inside then we will play simultaneously, so that your guests are not sitting in silence. You can then decide if you (the bride) would like us or the piper to play you into the venue (pick us!)
What does a string trio sound like compared to a string quartet?
A trio is simply 3 players (2 violins and cello or 1 violin, 1 viola and 1 cello) instead of 4 players (2 violins, 1 viola and 1 cello). As you might imagine this means the sound is slightly less full/loud. It is a very good way of keeping costs down and unless you are getting married in a very large venue, it is a very effective choice. It’s also perfect for smaller venues where there is less space.
What music doesn’t work with strings?
String arrangements work for the majority of genres of music. The most obvious genres being classical, pop, jazz, musicals, tv/film themes and bollywood hits. This also includes most rock, hip-hop, Latin, Americana, blues, ragtime etc. Some heavier genres such as metal, rap, punk etc are slightly trickier to arrange for strings but we’ll always pull something good out of the bag, we promise!
I’ve got an organist playing in the ceremony…
No problem. You can decide to have your hymns (or religious music) accompanied by either him/her or us. It’s common for the quartet to play for the bridal entrance and signing of the register, and then have the organ playing for your exit. This can create a good variety of music and atmosphere in your ceremony. Organists are typically hired for religious ceremonies only.
When will you be there?
We will always arrive at least 30 minutes before we start playing. This gives you complete piece of mind on the day. If your venue is quite far from our base in Glasgow, we will get there even earlier so that you don’t need to worry about anything!
Will you be on hand to dicuss all the details after I book?
We are always on hand to discuss any details with you. This can include timings, repertoire choices, changes or suggestions etc.
How long does it take for you to set up?
Normally it takes us less than 5 minutes!
Our event is in a remote location. Will you travel?
Yes. We are based in the centre of Glasgow but are happy to travel throughout most of Scotland.
Do you only play all types of music?
Yes. We have play kinds of music including pop, classical, jazz, latin, bollywood, opera, movie themes, musicals etc. Please see our playlist for more details!
Do you accompany singers?
We have considerable experience in working with singers. Just let us know your song choices beforehand and we will liaise with the singer directly to make sure arrangements are all sorted. This is a very effective collaboration.
Do you play hymns?
Yes. We have a collection of popular hymns but can play from any hymn or organ sheet. We are also very happy to play less well-known hymns. We typically provide a short introduction to each hymn. This is particularly useful if your guests will be singing, as it shows them clearly when to start. If we are playing, there is no need for an organist.
There’s a song I want you to play that’s not on your repertoire list. Can you still play it?
Yes. We are happy to arrange 1 song that isn't on our list for free. Additional arrangements will incur a small arranging fee.
What do you wear when you’re playing?
We normally wear all black. However if you would like us to wear something colourful (like a wedding guest) or DJs (white shirt and slim black ties etc) do let us know.