Paula and Clive’s wedding in the Old Barn

This weekend Old Barn had transformed itself into a romantic fairy-light bedecked setting for Paula and Clive’s wedding. As a wedding venue it was delightful. The staff were friendly, helpful and put themselves out to make sure we were looked after.

We arrived early to set up, and run through the bride’s choice of piece for her entry- “I get to Love You” by Ruelle. It wasn’t a piece in our repertoire, but a special request from Paula, for which we were delighted to be able to find a great quartet arrangement.

We played music, a range of classical, jazz, shows and pop to set the scene for the guests as they arrived. And to allay the groom’s nervousness as he waited for his bride. Clive is a friend of mine, so it was extra-special to play for their day.

We punctuated the ceremony with a wide range of music: Ruelle, Handel, Katy Perry’s Thousand Years, Schubert- Ave Maria and Fly me to the Moon for their exit, with the virtuosic violin solo beautifully played by our first violin Beck Harris. As skilled as she is beautiful.

As we were friends of the groom Clive invited us to the dinner and dancing afterwards. It was lovely to meet family and friends, although that’s something we don’t expect if we don’t know you beforehand!

I’ll add some more photos if we get to see them!

Summer Quartets in Queens Park

One of our warmer summer days saw me and some of my colleagues playing an informal concert in Queens Park.

We were well looked after, with ice cream, as we played popular classical music along with some lighter non-classical pieces to the summer crowds.

It’s always lovely when the children start to dance!

Woodlands

I was invited by the lovely Ilana Cravitz to join her and some other friends to play quartets in a casual setting in Highgate Woods.

It’s always a pleasure to play quartets, and this gig was no different.

It turned out we had some brilliant artists in the audience. Here’s her watercolour sketch, and although my hair isn’t that grey yet, I think you might be able to spot me!

Follow Alison on Instagram, for more of her wonderful artwork.