String Quartets for Hire

Why hire a string quartet?

A string quartet or a solo violinist promises to add a sense of romance and elegance to any event. Creating a relaxing, subtle background atmosphere, our string musicians are a perfect match for weddings, corporate events, and intimate gatherings. With a diverse and extensive repertoire that spans from classical to contemporary, they offer a versatile and sophisticated performance to make your event unforgettable.

What music can string quartets play?

The best string quartets offer a diverse repertoire that includes everything from classical and popular music to traditional folk, film/TV themes, Bollywood, and jazz. A professional string quartet/solo violinist will usually offer an extensive repertoire and be happy to tailor their sets to suit your favourite genres or songs.

Below are some of the most popular wedding songs and genres our string ensembles and wedding violinists perform:

Popular Wedding Ceremony Songs:

• Pachelbel’s Canon in D
• A Thousand Years – Christina Perri
• Perfect – Ed Sheeran
• Marry You – Bruno Mars
• All You Need is Love – The Beatles

Popular Music Genres:

• Classical Music
• Pop Music
• Jazz Music
• Film Music
• Folk/Traditional
• Jewish Music

How much does it cost to hire a string quartet?

Prices vary depending on whether you’re looking to hire a string duo, trio or quartet and for how long. Average prices for our ensembles are as follows:

• String Duos: £300-400
• String Trios: £500-600
• String Quartets: £700-900

Prices typically cover the ceremony and drinks reception if performing at a wedding. Prices can vary depending on a few key factors, such as event date, location and performance time.

Is a string quartet suitable for my event?

A traditional string quartet provides light background music, perfect for most daytime events. Although most synonymous with weddings, a string ensemble or solo violin player can be equally suited to other events such as parties, private dinners, corporate functions and religious events.

Will the string quartet need amplification?

Amplification for a string quartet isn’t usually necessary for small to mid-sized events. However, amplifying the quartet can be beneficial for larger events, or outdoor events with significant background noise.

If you’re looking to add an extra splash of glamour to an event, we also represent some of the best electric string quartets in the UK, incorporating choreographed routines and LED instruments into their set for that extra WOW factor to your event.

Do you offer smaller string ensembles, such as string duos and trios?

Most string groups provide duo, trio, and quartet options to suit your budget. It’s worth noting that songs played by a quartet can’t necessarily be played with a duo/trio, so it’s worth checking throughout the booking process to ensure the chosen lineup can play the music you’d like.

How long does a wedding string quartet perform?

All of our string quartets for hire offer bespoke packages to suit your schedule. A typical booking is 3 hours, covering a typical ceremony and drinks reception. Our string quartets and wedding violinists will happily work to your timings and quote accordingly. Our string ensembles will always arrive an hour before they start to prepare for their performance.

Will my string quartet learn a song request for our wedding ceremony?

If you have a particular song request in mind that you’d like performed on the day, just let us know, and your string quartet will happily perform it, provided they have the sheet music. If not, they’ll happily create a bespoke arrangement for a small fee.

Can a string quartet or solo violinist perform outside?

Although happy to perform outside, string quartets and violinists will require a form of cover, such as a parasol or gazebo. This protects the musicians from rain and the hot sun, which can potentially damage their instruments. If the weather does look ominous, having a space prepared indoors can be a good idea to ensure the musicians can carry on performing.

How long will it take for a string quartet to set up?

The setup time for a string quartet typically varies depending on the venue and specific event requirements. However, on average, a talented string quartet can be set up in about 15 to 30 minutes. This time allows them to unpack their instruments, arrange their seating, tune-up, and perform any necessary sound checks if amplification is used. It’s always advisable to provide the quartet with any particular quirks the venue may have in advance so they can plan accordingly and ensure a smooth setup process.