The Top 10 Best String Quartets for Hire in London (With Prices)

1 AUGUST 2020 (Updated 25 NOVEMBER 2022)
Blog post by Adam Southall
Estimated read time: 4 minutes

In this blog post, we'll list out the 10 most popular string quartets for hire in London on FixTheMusic, based on the number of their confirmed bookings for 2023 and 2024.

London is home to some of the finest string quartets in Europe...soloists that perform regularly at high-end corporate events and celebrity weddings.

You'll see that there is a huge range of styles and that many of the string quartets offer something a bit different to make your wedding truly memorable.

Browse London String Quartets

String quartets on FixTheMusic have public liability insurance and PAT tested equipment.

FixTheMusic's string quartets perform in a variety of styles, from pop covers and jazz to classical music and film music.

They are usually able to perform as a trio or duo, if your budget is more restricted or if your event is at a smaller venue.

So here's the list of the 10 best string quartets for hire in London for 2023...

1. Aquarius Strings
2. Artisan Strings
3. Angel Strings
4. Mythos Strings
5. Utopia Strings
6. The Paragon String Quartet
7. Odyssey String Quartet
8. Amethyst Strings
9. Vivid Violin Duo
10. Gemini Violin Duo

So let's take a closer look at the most in-demand string quartets in London this year...

1. Aquarius Strings
Average booking price: £1,436 (as of December 2022)
Location: London & Manchester

Aquarius Strings offer a bespoke service by providing flexibility in the size of the group ranging from 1-20 players.

Aquarius Strings features vibrant female electric and acoustic musicians. They are in demand to entertain at private & corporate functions in the UK and internationally.

The group can also combine with other musicians, including a DJ, sax player, bongos...

View more videos and read verified reviews of Aquarius Strings ➡️

2. Artisan Strings
Average booking price: £1,072 (as of December 2022)
Location: London, UK

Artisan Strings provide elegance to any event. The distinguished members of Artisan Strings all trained at the world's leading music conservatoires and have established 15 years experience in bringing their evocative sounds to high-profile events.

These include occasions for the Royal family, sporting events such as The Champions League Final, Royal Ascot and The Grand Prixs in Monaco and Abu Dhabi, and at renowned venues such as The Royal Albert Hall, Amphitheatre Verona and Beijing’s ‘Bird’s Nest’ Stadium.

Priding themselves on their unique musical diversity, members of Artisan Strings perform regularly as part of illustrious ensembles ranging from the BBC Symphony Orchestra and The London Philharmonic Orchestra, to The Heritage Orchestra with Pete Tong and the Gubbay Big Band Orchestra with Anton du Beke.

We're regularly booked to perform for weddings and events at Hotel Café Royal in London, UK.

They can regularly be seen playing on live TV, including for The X Factor, The Jonathan Ross Show, The One Show and BBC's Last Night Of The Proms.

View our list of the UK's best string quartets ➡️

They have also recorded numerous soundtracks such as Downton Abbey and Planet Earth, and on pop albums for artists Sam Smith, Emelie Sande, Beverley Knight and Rag’n’Bone Man, to name but a few.

Their repertoire spans this broad spectrum of music from classical, through to jazz, folk, musicals, contemporary pop and even hip-hop.

View more videos and read verified reviews of Artisan Strings ➡️

3. Angel Strings
Average booking price: £810 (as of December 2022)
Location: London, UK

Angel Strings is an experienced and versatile acoustic and electric female string ensemble that provide tailored performances at any event in any location.

The group play all kinds of events, including corporate events, weddings, private parties, Asian and Jewish events.

The ensemble provides flexibility in the size of the group from 1 to 10+ players! Solo, string duo, trio, quartet, sextet, octet and beyond.

Happy to travel, the group regularly performs across the UK and beyond, and will do everything they can to cater to you and your event.

View our list of the UK's best string quartets ➡️

Their customisable and flexible line-up makes Angel Strings the perfect choice for any and every occasion.

Angel Strings are fresh and contemporary and can bring unique performances with specialised LED instruments for that extra touch of magic.

Here are just some of the locations where we have been booked by clients on FixTheMusic for weddings and events...

Graffham, Petworth, UK
Richmond Hill Hotel

View more videos and read verified reviews of Angel Strings ➡️

4. Mythos Strings
Average booking price: £891 (as of December 2022)
Location: London, UK

Mythos Strings are a young and stylish string group who frequently wow audiences at weddings, concerts, corporate events and parties.

Based in the UK, they are in demand to perform throughout the UK but also in Europe, the Middle East and further afield!

View more videos and read verified reviews of Mythos Strings ➡️

5. Utopia Strings
Average booking price: £930 (as of December 2022)
Location: London, UK

Utopia Strings are a stylish string ensemble who add a touch of class to your wedding, drinks reception or corporate event.

Utopia Strings are a stunning group of musicians who provide entertainment at all events.

We are a string ensemble with a difference. Our repertoire list features all your classical favourites, but we are always keen to try something new!

You can expect to hear original, quirky arrangements of songs from musicals and films, swing classics, and modern pop songs.

View our list of the UK's best string quartets ➡️

Check out our extensive repertoire and if you have any other songs you'd like the group to perform for you, get in touch and we'll see what we can do!

We perform completely acoustically and are able to entertain your guests indoors or outdoors, provided there is suitable cover.

We usually ensemble perform as a quartet but we are also available as a trio or duo, depending on space and budget.

For weddings, we can entertain your guests for 30 minutes before the ceremony, and then perform music for the procession and recession of the bride and the signing of the register.

You can also have us stay for longer to entertain your guests for your indoors or outdoors cocktail hour and beyond!

The string quartet is the most popular and classic ensemble, possessing a diverse repertoire.

A perfectly balanced range of instruments; the quartet can entertain the whole party or subtly blend into the surroundings, adding an extra sparkle to the atmosphere.

A string trio is perfect for where space might be limited. A smaller group of just three players, our string trio can provide ample entertainment with much of our quartet repertoire also working perfectly well for trio.

If you would prefer something more unique, a string duo may be what you are looking for.

A combination of either two violins or a violin and cello presents a more intimate feel and again, frees up more room for your guests to enjoy your event.

Our repertoire for string duo covers a wide range of genres, from Classical to Klezmer, Salsa and other styles from around the world.

So if you're looking to hire the finest wedding string quartet London has to offer, get in touch with Utopia Strings.

View more videos and read verified reviews of Utopia Strings ➡️

6. The Paragon String Quartet
Average booking price: £615 (as of December 2022)
Location: London, UK

The Paragon String Quartet is a versatile ensemble of string players from the Royal College of Music.

They celebrate the uniqueness of each event and are committed to bringing a touch of elegance to yours. It is their priority to deliver the highest quality of musical entertainment to you and your guests.

View more videos and read verified reviews of The Paragon String Quartet ➡️

7. Odyssey String Quartet
Average booking price: £712 (as of December 2022)
Location: London, UK

The world-renowned Odyssey electric string quartet is the industry leader in delivering high end, superbly entertaining and outstanding performances.

The four glamorous girls, all award-winning music conservatoire graduates, have combined their classical talents, creative ideas and love of performance to develop a uniquely entertaining stage show a class above the rest!

View more videos and read verified reviews of Odyssey String Quartet ➡️

8. Amethyst Strings
Average booking price: £622 (as of December 2022)
Location: London, UK

Amethyst Strings are a stylish female string duo, trio, quartet or quintet comprising violins and double bass.

Amethyst Strings are in great demand to perform at weddings, corporate events and private functions throughout the UK and internationally.

View more videos and read verified reviews of Amethyst Strings ➡️

9. Vivid Violin Duo
Average booking price: £483 (as of December 2022)
Location: London, UK

Vivid Violin Duo is an exciting new electric violin duo who perform jaw-dropping renditions of some of your favourite hits.

Emerging from the much-lauded Electric Orchestra, this stylish duo creates seamless improvised sets alongside a DJ, and perform a rehearsed show to backing tracks.

No strangers to the limelight, they have performed on X-Factor, Strictly Come Dancing, and have shared the stage with Lady Gaga and Bastille.

View more videos and read verified reviews of Vivid Violin Duo ➡️

10. Gemini Violin Duo
Average booking price: £651 (as of December 2022)
Location: London, UK

Natalie and Stephanie are a professional string duo based in London available for weddings, corporate functions and other events in the UK and internationally.

They studied violin and viola at the Royal Academy of Music in London on full scholarships.

View more videos and read verified reviews of Gemini Violin Duo ➡️

Receive quotes from string quartets

We hope you've enjoyed reading this list of the best string quartets London has to offer in 2023.

At FixTheMusic, we list top-quality string quartets that have been selected by invitation only.

When you submit an enquiry, you'll receive quotes directly from available acts so you can compare them by watching their videos, reading their reviews and by asking them any questions you might have via our secure messaging system.

FixTheMusic is free to use – we're a secure platform for liaising with and booking outstanding musicians worldwide

Some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about hiring a string quartet for your wedding or event...

We've put together some frequently asked questions for booking a string quartet. Have a read of our list below, which we hope will be helpful to you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What instruments make up a string quartet?

2 violins, a viola and a cello.

What do string quartets require?

String quartets will require chairs — armless dining chairs are perfect. String quartets do not provide their own lighting, so they will need good overhead lighting (please note that candles are not sufficiently bright). They will also require a secure dressing room to change and leave belongings. Some string quartets will request some simple food and drink on the day, especially at longer bookings. Your string quartet will usually make you aware of this in advance of the event.

Can string quartets play outdoors?

Yes, most string quartets will be able to play outside during the summer months (May to September) but please bear the following in mind. String quartets require a completely flat surface, so if they are playing on grass, please check that it is a level surface. There should be cover from the elements. If it becomes too cold for playing outdoors (anything below about 16°C), the string quartet may request to move indoors as the cold can damage their instruments.

Can string quartets perform instrumental pop covers from Netflix's Bridgerton television series?

String quartets are certainly able to perform pop covers made famous by Vitamin String Quartet and featured in the Bridgerton TV series. Popular covers from Bridgerton include songs by Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish and Taylor Swift. With the increasing popularity of this TV series, many clients are requesting string quartet covers of these songs for weddings in the UK.

Do string quartets use a PA system?

Generally, string quartets don’t use any amplification, but if your event has a large number of guests and your venue has a PA system, they may be able to liaise with venue staff so the instruments are ‘miked up’.

Do some string quartets offer a trio or duo option?

Some string quartets offer the option to reduce in size to a trio or a duo. The primary advantage of this to the booker is the lower cost of these options. A trio usually consists of a violin, viola and cello, but can also consist of 2 violins and a cello. A duo will often be made up of a violin and cello. These options are also suitable for venues with limited performance space. Please note though, that trios and duos usually have more limited repertoire than full quartets. With regard to sound, there isn't much noticeable difference between a string trio and full string quartet.

Can string quartets arrange a particular song request I would like to be played?

Most string quartets offer this as an option if the request is not on their repertoire list. There will probably be a charge for the arrangement and rehearsal of your requested song(s).

Do string quartets always use the same players?

Very few quartets will always use the same four players, as most string quartet players are freelancers will other commitments. Most string quartets have a small pool of trusted musicians who can deputise if some regular members are unavailable.

How much space do string quartets require?

2m x 3m is ideal for the performance area.

Where can the string quartets perform?

FixTheMusic has selected Europe's best string quartets and made it easy for you to book them for your wedding or event. Our string groups are available from London and the south east (Kent, Hampshire, Surrey and Sussex) to the Midlands and further north (including in Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds). Tell us about your event and amazing string ensembles will get in touch with you with a bespoke offer for your event.

Can the string quartet play in more than one location on the day?

This is certainly possible but needs to be discussed in advance of the event. Each location will need chairs and allow several minutes for the string quartet to set up after they move.

Do some string quartets play on electric instruments?

A variation on the traditional string quartet is the electric string quartet with players performing on electric instruments. Many string quartets can offer this as an option. Electric string quartets offer a more visually engaging and contemporary feel. They are also suitable if your event has a large number of guests as they can amplify their sound to accommodate the extra background noise.

How long do string quartets take to set up?

String quartets will usually arrive at least 45 mins before they are due to play, to allow enough time to set up.

Can we come and hear the string quartet play somewhere before we book?

This is not possible as most string quartets only play at private functions. You should only book a string quartet with excellent audio and video samples.

Do string quartets take breaks?

Yes, string quartets usually take a 10-15 minute break every 45 minutes to an hour. They may require longer breaks for longer bookings. It is best to leave the exact timing of breaks to the string quartet, as they will be able to judge this appropriately.

Can string quartets be booked for 1 hour or less?

Yes, but the price will usually be the same as a 2-hour booking. For best value, you should book a string quartet for at least 2 hours.

What do string quartet players wear?

String quartet players usually wear formal attire, but they can often accommodate your own dress requirements if notified well in advance of the event.

How can I hire a string quartet for my event?

Make an enquiry on FixTheMusic (we're a free platform for hiring oustranding professional musicians) and available string quartets will send you their offers within a matter of hours.

Do string quartets have public liability insurance?

Yes – all FixTheMusic string quartets have public liability insurance, usually of up to 10 million GBP/EUR.

FixTheMusic is a one-stop shop for booking outstanding professional musicians – and it's completely free for you to use.

Fill in the enquiry form to receive offers directly from hand-picked musicians. Once you've confirmed details with your preferred act, book and pay securely through our secure online checkout.

Last Updated: 25 NOVEMBER 2022

— Adam is a co-founder of FixTheMusic and works on everything from copywriting and marketing to design and user experience. He studied Music at Cambridge University. Adam is a keen pianist, and also learned cello and trumpet from an early age.

+44 20 7193 0615

hello@fixthemusic.com