THE
Salieri
QUARTET
About Us
The Salieri Quartet is one of the longest established and most experienced of all background quartets working in the UK today. For all styles of music ranging from Classical to Popular and back again arranged and performed with the Salieri Quartet’s unique flair and panache. The players come from a diverse and far–reaching range of musical backgrounds and influences. Away from the quartet the players have worked with orchestras in Italy and Sweden, The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, The Ulster Orchestra, The Orchestra of Opera North and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra amongst many others. We have played for many West End shows and acted as Musical Director in London’s West End and Internationally. This passion for all musical styles is reflected in the enormous range of light and popular music the quartet has had arranged for its own particular use.
We are the preferred suppliers for several major wedding venues across the South of England including:
Harper Weddings: Cain Manor / Botleys Mansion / Notley Abbey
Additionally, we have played at most of the major venues across London and the South East
Fees
The basic fee for the quartet playing for three hours is £700.00 inclusive of travel. This fee is payable as a 25% non refundable deposit on confirmation of the engagement with the balance being paid a week before the day. Extra hours are charged at £150.00 per hour or part there of. We are happy to play for two hours for a fee of £600.00. If an exceptional amount of travelling is involved there would be an additional distance charge to be negotiated. Should you wish a melody to be especially arranged this costs £50.00. On the day it is usual (and much appreciated!) to arrange that there are some refreshments available for the quartet.
If we are playing outside where there is no shade we will need to bring our own portable gazebo for which there is an additional hire charge of £50.00
Useful Information
Whether a wedding or business event the standard booking for the quartet lasts three hours. Experience shows that this length is ideal to cover the needs and duration of most events. Naturally the quartet is happy to play for exactly as long as a client requires. As long as we have a space of about 2 metres by 2 metres and four chairs the quartet can perform just about anywhere. This has in the past included serenading the happy couple en-route to the reception on the back on the bride’s father’s flat-bed truck!
This flexibility is particular necessary when planning a wedding. The quartet will often provide music from before the ceremony (particularly when it is a civil ceremony held in a hotel etc.) through reception drinks and right onto the speeches at the end of the wedding breakfast. Couples should be aware that there are certain legal restrictions on the type of music that can be played during the ceremony itself. Simply put nothing with a specifically religious association is permitted. So the Air on the G string is fine but not Sheep May Safely Graze. The standard bridal marches are quite acceptable! Please do not hesitate to contact us with any query or question at all. We are particularly adept at tracking down half-remembered melodies! Our aim is to ensure that you receive exactly the music you want performed with the experience and panache that sets the quartet apart from the rest.
Why a String Quartet?
Unlike most other musical groups, where amps and PA equipment will be required, we only need our own instruments and music stands. If the venue is dark, we even have battery powered lights!
A string quartet is the perfect way to bring sophistication and character to a wedding. The music calms nerves before the ceremony and brings feeling after. It fills silences and builds atmosphere. And, best of all, unlike recorded music, a string quartet can respond to the situation they’re in, going faster, slower, extending the Wedding March, or quietly curtailing a piece for the speeches.
Also, guests and couples love live music! Our original and unique versions of popular music always makes heads turn and toes tap. Music creates memories in a way little else does.
If you’re looking for something super-special for your wedding day, The Salieri Quartet is just the answer.
