String Quartets for Hire in the UK

Name: String Quartets for Hire in the UK
Rating: 5

Question 1

What instruments make up a string quartet?

Answer

A traditional string quartet includes 2 violins, a viola and a cello. The first violin will usually perform the melody, whilst the other instruments provide the supporting harmony and bass line. If you hire an electric string quartet, then the musicians will perform on electric instruments – these can sometimes be enhanced by LED lights which can look incredible.

Question 2

What do string quartets require?

Answer

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 bands 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.

Question 3

How much does it cost to hire a string quartet for a wedding?

Answer

The average cost of a string quartet for a wedding is £950 or €1,110. This assumes the booking is for one part of the wedding day only (e.g. ceremony or drinks reception) and is for the full string quartet (two violins, a viola and cello). The price will vary according to the length of time you book the string quartet for, whether you decide to book a string trio or duo instead, and whether the musicians have to charge for any expenses (such travel costs or accommodation). The best prices will be obtained by hiring a local string quartet for your wedding.

Question 4

Can string quartets play outdoors?

Answer

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.

Question 5

Is it possible to hire a string quartet with singer?

Answer

Yes, some modern string quartets can be hired with a singer too. This is especially popular if you want the string quartet to cover pop songs. The most common request is for the string quartet to accompany a female singer. Besides singers, it's also often possible to hire a string quartet with saxophone, piano and other instruments.

Question 6

Do string quartets use a PA system?

Answer

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’.

Question 7

Can the string quartet perform covers from "Bridgerton"?

Answer

Yes! Our string quartets have received numerous demands recently for them to perform covers of the string quartet music featured in the Netflix series Bridgerton, including covers of songs by Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish and Taylor Swift, as popularised by the Vitamin String Quartet's own renditions. Feel free to make any requests before booking and our string quartets will be happy to advise if they have an arrangement of the music to perform for you.

Question 8

Do some string quartets offer a trio or duo option?

Answer

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.

Question 9

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

Answer

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).

Question 10

Do string quartets always use the same players?

Answer

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.

Question 11

How much space do string quartets require?

Answer

Most string quartets will need around 2m x 3m for the performance area. Bear in mind they will each need a chair and space for their music stands.

Question 12

What are the best string quartet wedding songs for walking down the aisle?

Answer

The most popular wedding processional song performed by our string quartets is Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel. Other popular choices include "Kissing You" (Des'ree), "A Thousand Years" (Christina Perri) and "To Make You Feel My Love" (Adele / Bob Dylan).

Question 13

Where can the string quartets perform?

Answer

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 throughout the UK and Europe to perform at weddings, private parties and other types of functions. Tell us about your event and amazing string ensembles will get in touch with you with a bespoke offer for your event.

Question 14

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

Answer

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. They may also need a few minutes to re-tune their instruments after moving.

Question 15

Which parts of the wedding do string quartets normally perform at?

Answer

The most popular request we receive is to hire a string quartet for your wedding ceremony. Other popular parts of your wedding day when you might want to hire a string quartet include the drinks reception and to provide background music during your wedding breakfast or meal. At a wedding ceremony, the string quartet will usually provide music before the ceremony starts and as your guests are assembling and waiting, during the processional as the bride (or groom) walks down the aisle, during the signing of the register, and as the married couple exits (the recessional).

Question 16

Do some string quartets play on electric instruments?

Answer

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 wedding or event has a large number of guests as they can amplify their sound to accommodate the extra background noise.

Question 17

How long do string quartets take to set up?

Answer

String quartets will usually arrive at least 45 mins before they are due to play, to allow enough time to set up. If you are wanting the string quaret to be amplified (rather than performing acoustically), then you may need to allow some extra time for them to sound check and set up the PA system and speakers.

Question 18

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

Answer

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, as well as reviews from previous bookings.

Question 19

What genres of music do string quartets perform?

Answer

Almost all string quartets will know a wide selection of classical music. This includes music from the Classical, Baroque and Romantic eras. In additon, many will also perform some classic folk tunes, as well as more modern pop, rock, hip hop and R&B covers, which is becoming increasingly popular at weddings these days. Some string quartets are also able to perform Bollywood music.

Question 20

Can string quartets be booked for 1 hour or less?

Answer

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.

Question 21

What do string quartet players wear?

Answer

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

Question 22

How can I hire a string quartet for my event?

Answer

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.

Question 23

Do string quartets have public liability insurance?

Answer

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

Question 24

What's the best way to find a string quartet for hire near me?

Answer

Submit an enquiry on FixTheMusic with details of your wedding or event and they will then be sent to hand-picked string quartets in the local area. Those who are available on the date of your wedding or event will then get in touch with you via email with details of their quote, costs and any questions they might have.