FAQs

Frequently asked questions:

Q: What instruments are in a string quartet? A: 2 violins, a viola and cello.

Q: How much space do you need? 2 x 3 metres. More if on a platform. We need enough space to sit, for our music stands, and for our bows to move their whole length safely, without bumping into any guests!

Q: What are your requirements? Four armless chairs in good condition. Cover for playing outside. We need good lighting, and somewhere to store instrument cases and valuables, ideally not too far from where we’re playing. We’ll also need to take breaks from playing every 30-45 minutes, depending on the length of the booking.

Q: Can you play outside? Only between May-late August. It needs to be a reasonable temperature (+19 degrees) for us to play outside. Real cover is always required, for either too much sun, or rain. Our instruments cannot get wet. Please check with your venue that something can be provided.

Q: Can we choose the music for our event? Yes of course. We usually suggest that you choose up to 10 songs and we fill in with similar music. For weddings, you’ll need to choose pieces for the bridal entrance, signing of the register and exit. We’ll need these at least 2 weeks before the event.

Q: The songs we want aren’t on your playlist. Can you help? Yes, of course. Let us know which songs you want, and we’ll do our best to either find arrangements, or write them ourselves. (Extra fees may apply)

Q: What will you wear? For weddings we usually wear elegant coloured dresses or tops with black trousers/skirts. If dresses are required we’ll need a clean changing area with mirror. Within reason, we will do our best not to clash with your colour scheme.

Q: Do you need breaks? Yes. We take breaks for c. 10-15 minutes for each 45-60 minutes or so of playing. If you’d like us to take breaks at specific points, please give us notice beforehand. This will need to be passed onto people helping to organise the event, so they understand the requirements.

Q: When does your booking start? Bookings are the length of time we spend at the venue. You’ll need to add 15 minutes playing time before the start of a ceremony. You’ll also need to factor in breaks, and over-running. Weddings very often run late, and we’ll often need to leave at the end of the booking period.

Q: How flexible are you on the day if things overrun? We will try and be flexible, where possible to stay a little longer. This will incur an extra fee (per half hour), so do consider this when booking.

However, we often have other work commitments on the same day, so it’s not always possible. Any changes to timings will need to be confirmed with us beforehand.

Q: We’re having a Jewish wedding. Can you play appropriate music for us? Yes. It’s one of our specialities. Some of our members are Jewish, and will know many of the tunes you may want. We can also play a range of klezmer tunes for dancing if desired. (Please let us know in advance, so we bring the right tunes and music folders!)

Q: Will we get the same performers as on the photos? We draw from the players in our small collective group of professional musicians whom we work with regularly, to ensure a consistently high standard of performance. Due to our players being sought after performers, it’s not always possible to have the same line up each time. But they’ll be friendly, professional, and wonderful musicians.