Frequently Asked Questions
How much space does a string quartet need?
Approximately 3m x 2m for the "ideal" layout though in more cramped
spaces the quartet can be flexible up to a point.
How often will the musicians take breaks?
Our musicians will take 10 minutes break for each hour after the 1st hour of a booking whilst remaining flexible enough to work within your itinerary. For example, the musicians could take one longer break rather than two shorter breaks depending on the length of your booking. For bookings of 3 or more hours the musicians should be provided with a light meal to coincide with a break.
Do I need to provide refreshments/food?
To perform at
their best musicians must be provided with refreshments throughout
their performance (except where inappropriate, eg. a church). A
light meal need only be provided for bookings of 3 or more hours
and should be timed to coincide with a break.
Will a string quartet be too loud/quiet?
Our string
quartets will always play "to the room", tailoring the volume to
create the perfect ambience. An acoustic string quartet can play
loud but it can also play very softly. For larger venues requiring
extra volume we can provide string quartets augmented by a double
bass or even electric string quartets. In the highly unlikely event
that you find the music to loud then a quick word to the players
will alert them to play quieter. You are always in complete
control.
Can you play my favourite tune?
If string
quartet arrangements are already available certainly. If not we can
have it arranged specially for you at an additional cost, notice of
at least a month is normally required. Depending on the complexity
most arrangements take 2-3 hours of highly skilled work charged
from £25–50 per hour.
Can the quartet play hymns?
Yes, you can
have the string quartet accompany your hymns. This may incur an
additional cost if music arrangements need to be made but this is
unnecessary for many hymns.
String quartet, trio or duo, what's the difference?
String
quartets have an enormously wide range of musical styles available
from classical music to jazz, tv themes, show tunes, latin,
ragtime, gipsy & more. Reduced in size by 1 or 2 players, trios
& duos have a considerably narrower range of repertoire to
choose from. We generally recommend our clients to book a string
quartet rather than a trio or duo for the widest range of
music.
What instruments make up a string quartet/trio/duo?
Quartet – 2
violins, viola & cello
Trio – violin, viola & cello or 2 violins & cello
Duo – any 2 from violin, viola or cello
Some groups may occasionally replace the cello with a double bass.
Trio – violin, viola & cello or 2 violins & cello
Duo – any 2 from violin, viola or cello
Some groups may occasionally replace the cello with a double bass.
Can a string quartet accompany a singer or other soloist?
Yes, if
you/your soloist can provide us with the music/score you can have
the string quartet accompany a soloist of your choice, though this
may incur an additional cost if music arrangements need to be
made.
What other groups can you provide?
We can
provide, wind, brass, & jazz ensembles, vocal groups, any
string group, harpists & pianists. Larger ensembles &
orchestras, big bands, choirs are also available.
HELP!! I need a string quartet for tomorrow!
Call us now
with as much information as possible, we will act immediately. We
have previously booked musicians for clients within 24 hours of
their event.