Classical & Light Music for your Special Occasion

Whether it is an anniversary, party, dinner or any other special occasion, if you want to create a civilised atmosphere, then perhaps one of our classical & light music groups would enhance the day in a very special way.

The Options

There are several options, each with their own sound, repertoire and strengths. Click on each kind of music group to learn more:

String Quartet ~ Harp ~ Duos ~ Singers ~ Guitar & Lute ~ Piano ~ Brass & Wind

The music YOU like

Music is a wide subject, that you may or may not be expert in. What you are certainly expert in is knowing what you like, and it is important to us that we provide you with music that you will love, and will fit the occasion. Because music is so subjective, we have provided music clips that you can listen to for the majority of our music groups, but remember that the acoustics of the venue and number of guests and where you position the ensemble will all have an effect on the final sound. .

Where the music group does not have recordings, the link below, takes you to the Midsummer Flute & String Quartet, where you can listen to just a tiny bit of the repertoire they play for special occasions of all kinds.

Remember, that we can only put a tiny part of a music ensemble's repertoire on the web site of you to listen to, and most of the repertoire lists are just a selection from a much wider range of music. So if there is a particular piece of music that you would like to be played, let us know. Perhaps the ensemble already has the music, or if not, could possibly get hold of it especially for you.

String Quartet

The String Quartet is probably the most versatile of classical & light music ensembles. A String Quartet comprises two violins, a viola and a cello (though there is also the rather unusual and interesting option of the Flute & String Quartet). The repertoire typically ranges from Baroque, through Classical & Romantic, to light music such as Scott Joplin, Gershwin, Lloyd Webber, films etc. With the four instruments it can produce the full harmony needed to play many of the well loved wedding tunes to their best advantage.

A String Quartet is also 'mobile', important if you are thinking of the musicians playing in more than one location during your event. Using real (non amplified) instruments, means that they can walk over to another location and just continue playing.

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Harp

A Harp is a beautiful instrument to look at as well as to listen to, and makes a good focal point. Repertoire can span baroque, classical and light and is in many ways similar to what can be played on a piano.

One limitation is that it is a large instrument to get into position, so don't expect the harpist to move quickly between locations or go outdoors. Also, reasonable access to the performance location is necessary. A harp is a loud instrument, but with less volume than a string quartet, so the number of guests, location at the venue etc. should be discussed and considered.

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Duos & Trios

There are some interesting options of Duos & Trios, flute & violin, guitar & cello, piano & cello, flute & piano etc. Ideal where space is severely restricted, but usually with a more limited repertoire than the above options.

A duo is normally highly mobile (unless it includes a piano), but the level of sound relative to the number of  guests should be considered.

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Guitar & Lute

Classical Guitar or Lute is a very civilised option for smaller events and dinners, and very appropriate to period venues. There is a wide baroque and classical repertoire, with some performers extending this to more contemporary music. For the lute, the repertoire is early music and baroque.

Consideration must be given to the number of guests and the location of the performer as these instruments are not very loud.

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Piano

If the venue has a grand piano in a suitable location, a Pianist can be a good option, with wider repertoire capability. Don't forget that piano's live in one place only!

If there is no piano at the venue, or the piano is required in more than one location, then many of our pianists can provide an electric piano, which can be relocated given a little time. .

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Brass & Wind

Under Brass & Wind we have two main options, either a woodwind or woodwind and brass ensemble, often playing a similar repertoire to the string quartet, or a brass band comprising all brass instruments, producing the full rich texture of such an ensemble.

Such groups are mobile, though woodwind can have problems if they are expected to play indoors then outdoors in cool weather.

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Singers

Singers are normally, but not exclusively, Sopranos. Normally, a singer would not perform unaccompanied, so this has to be considered. Some singers can provide recorded accompaniment, for others a pianist would have to be booked.

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