Your questions answered
How do we book?
Please Get In Touch, and we will send you a full quotation including availability, fees and a booking form.
To complete a booking please fill in the booking form and email it to us and make your deposit payment to any of the payment methods at the bottom of your quotation which you received. We shall then respond with a booking confirmation and the ways in which you can choose your music. Your balance payment is due no later than 14 days prior to performance by bank transfer. You may pay at an earlier point if you wish.
What do we require to play?
We require approximately 3x2m (9’10″x6’7″) of space to play and four armless chairs. We arrange the four armless chairs provided in a semicircle. Level ground, protection from high winds and adequate lighting are necessary for us to perform.
Why do prices vary between different string quartets?
Pricing corresponds to the level of professionalism and experience. We offer a unique service, owning the largest string quartet repertoire we know of in Britain. Underlying this performing experience is many years of national and international concert performances as individual musicians. The result of our level of professionalism will be more than evident at your function. We are confident and capable in any setting from church services to garden parties.
Will you perform outside, and do you have any requirements?
If requested we would be delighted to perform outside. The British weather however presents its own unique set of challenges at all times of the year. Being a professional quartet/ ensemble we perform using expensive instruments which can have a combined value of £100,000 or more. The instruments, sheet music, stands and musicians must be protected from wind, UV rays (Sun) and rain, making outside cover required. A marquee, awning, large umbrella, extended canopy or the inside of a doorway are acceptable. To perform under a tree is not acceptable cover. Level ground, protection from high winds, adequate lighting and four chairs without arms are also necessary. For string players in normal playing attire (orchestral dress), the normal ambient outside performance temperature undercover is between 18°C and 26°C. Outside of these temperature parameters, additional heating or cooling or may be required. Cooling may come in the form of a natural breeze, fan, or even an air-conditioning unit. Heating may come in the form of a heater. The decision whether to perform outside will be made by the musicians at the time of performance and you agree that their decision will be final. Performances may be moved indoors due to weather conditions. We do not supply cover, cooling or heating equipment of any kind. Supplying these is the responsibility of the hirer.
How long can we book you for?
We normally take bookings for between one and six hours, although as a general rule we have no maximum length of booking.
What does a string quartet consist of?
A string quartet is made up of two violins, a viola and a cello.
Will you perform at more than one venue?
Yes we often travel between more than one venue. If required this would be done within the total time period that you book us for.
How many breaks will you take?
We generally take a 10 minute break per hour during a function of 2 hours or more. We are happy to coordinate our breaks with your function’s itinerary, so please let us know when speeches are likely to occur for example. In a wedding ceremony booking breaks for the musicians are built in to the service. The musicians will stay in position throughout the ceremony.
What is your attire?
We are well-presented and highly experienced musicians. Our usual attire is formal black, but we can wear brighter colours if you prefer.
We would like some music which isn't on your repertoire lists?
We can obtain it for you! We offer a professional music arrangement service for pieces which we don’t have in our repertoire. We would normally require 1 months notice, and there would be an arrangement fee charged by the professional arranger for this service. Please contact us for further information.
Do you play at other events other than weddings?
Yes. We are regularly booked to play at corporate events and a wide range of private functions including parties, anniversaries, business dinners and trade shows.