FAQs
What instruments make up a string quartet?
A string quartet is comprised of 2 violins, a viola and a cello.
What makes up a trio?
Usually a violin, viola and cello, but sometimes 2 violins and cello format.
How far in advance should we book?
For summer weddings we would recommend 1 year ahead to be assured of getting us for the date you want.
What is your definition of a booking?
A booking is based on time spent at a venue. We need to take breaks within any booking. Waiting time incurs an extra fee.
Can I have a special piece of music arranged?
Yes. If it isn`t in our repertoire or already written for string quartet then we can organise this for you. Arranging music can take a long time even for just one song, so we would have to give you a quote for this service. We do not generally write R 'n B.
How far do you travel?
We have travelled all over the UK but we are mainly based in London. We can perform at any location but the further away it is, the more it will obviously cost.
We really like the look of your quartet, will we get the same players in the photos?
Not necessarily. If a player becomes unwell unexpectedly we have a pool of female musicians who know our music inside out whom we can call on and play with regularly. We are all top professional musicians and would never ask anyone sub standard. Our reputation is paramount to us. We always keep the group as glamorous as possible but obviously we like to provide our clients with fantastic memorable live music, not a catwalk show.
Can you play outside?
We are frequently asked to play outside during summer months, so yes usually we can work around your needs to do so. However, our instruments are extremely valuable so we strongly advise waterproof cover for us during the summer months (even if it is not raining we still require cover from sun and wind). The decision to play outside will be at our discretion on the day, so it is recommended you speak to the venue before you decide to book us to see what outdoor cover they can provide. Please bear in mind that acoustics are not so good outside, therefore you will need to consider where to position us, ie we should be placed as near to your guests as possible, it`s a waste of time playing outside in a place where no-one can hear us, (the same applies to indoor playing as well).
How much space do you need?
10ft x 10ft is ideal. We ask that you take the time to ensure we have enough room to play - this is a standard basic requirement that should not be overlooked. If the venue cannot provided the space we require, then do not book us thinking it will just be ok on the day. Aunt Amy may not take too kindly to having her backside poked with a stick while she is tucking into her cheescake!!
Can we choose the music for our event?
You are welcome to make a few suggestions of your favourite songs - 5-10 is fine or specifying the type of music is easier for us: ie, a little classical , some jazz and some contmporary pop is a usual format. But we really do not require set lists and gnerally will not play half of what gets asked for. We take a large folder containing an excellent varied selcetion of music. For ceremony music, this is obviously your decision but choices do need to be discussed in advance for suitability.
Can you help me choose music for our wedding?
Yes. We have plenty of experience in knowing what works and what doesn`t, from the processional through to the wedding breakfast. Weddings are changing and not everyone wants a traditional wedding these days, so we have an extensive repertoire to reflect the changing needs of our clients. If it`s not on the list, ask us which song you want and we will do our best to arrange it for you (fees vary). We are also available as a trio or duo, but the repertoire is significantly reduced and makes playing for longer periods harder. Booking a string quartet is ideal as it gives a fabulous "rounded" sound.
Do we need to meet you beforehand?
No. Unless you are looking for something more unusual then we would normally arrive on the day in good time to set up and just play. We have played at hundreds of weddings so are very familiar with the format. Regarding the bridal entrance music, we know exactly when to start and when to tail things off so all you need to do is relax and enter in your own time, we will follow you, not the other way around. We also talk to the vicar/priest or registrar beforehand to get an idea of what will be happening during the ceremony.
How many times can you move rooms?
We ideally only like to move once and would appreciate notice if required to do so. It is very disruptive and time consuming to move more than once. We ask that armless chairs are ready for us to use in each area and adequate space is set aside. Help to move equipment (except for our instruments) is always much appreciated.We strongly recommend trying to limit the amount of times so you can benefit from hearing us play.
What will you wear?
We will wear elegant smart black. For Indian weddings, we can wear traditional sarees.
Can you liaise with the wedding coordinator to ensure things run smoothly?
Yes. We can sort out practicalities with the person in charge. Ideally we prefer speaking directly with the client at some point to ensure any vital information has been passed on correctly. Please see our requirements below.
What are your requirements as a quartet?
We require four armless chairs in good condition and waterproof cover for playing outdoors (read above section regarding playing outdoors). Generally we would recommend 10ft x 10ft sq on ground level, much more if we are to be raised on a platform. We also need good lighting (candles are not sufficient or safe, side lamps are not always enough), a decent size room to change (not a toilet please!!) and a lockable room to store our instrument cases and handbags.
Our wedding reception is in a different location to our ceremony. Are you able to play at both venues?
Yes. We will arrange our own transport. Fees may be incurred if significant distances are involved or if the venue is in a hard to reach area with limited public transport. We generally travel by car or train and our fees take into account distances from the London area.
I notice you also play electric instruments, what`s the difference from acoustic instruments?
The difference is mainly the amplified sound and contemporary look of the instruments, which can often enhance an event by creating a more contemporary image. We can also tailor our look to compliment the nature of event. We are primarily a "background" electric string quartet which means we play exactly the same music as we do our acoustic instruments and in the same format. We would like to make clear we are NOT a choreographed act (ie. we do not dance or provide stage lighting, we do not play wirelessly or walk about, and we play using music stands as we would our acoustic set). We have a fantastic selection of pop songs to create a perfect atmosphere for any event, please see our repertoire and listen to the MP3 tracksfor examples.
Can we come and hear you play somewhere?
We generally play for private functions and cannot therefore invite you along to someone elses event.
Will you sound as good live as you do on the sound clips?
We like to think so. We always receive excellent feedback from our clients. The recordings you hear on this website were recorded in my living room at home and not in a professional recording studio and most were only recorded in one take. We wanted the recording to be as natural as possible to get that "live" sound without enhancement, to give our clients a good idea of what they will really get for their event. The only enhancement that has been made was to reduce some distortion noise.
Do you need to take breaks?
Yes. We will take them when we see fit on the day. We don`t really like working to a rigid schedule. A brief guide to what is happening on the day is all we need. More often than not things always over-run on the day, mainly due to the amount of photographs being taken.
Can we book you for just 1 hour or even less?
Yes you can, although our fee would not generally be any cheaper than booking us for 2 hours. It depends when and where really. Always let us know and we can give you a quote. We have done a 15 min gig before so it is definitely feasible.
Please note all musicians we hire are registered members of the Musicians Union. We have public liability cover to the value of £10m. Our PA system is a Yamaha Stagepas 500 and PAT tested for safety.
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