Can you help me choose my special music?
Yes! We provide free consultations to help you select the music for your event. We can work together to find the pieces and songs that suit your musical preferences. If you don’t find your favorite songs in our repertoire playlist we are more than happy to create an arrangement of your special request for an additional fee.
What are your rates?
Our rates depend on the size of the ensemble, performance time and location of your event. We can offer you a string quartet, a string trio, a duo (violin and cello) or a solo instrument (violin, viola or cello). Please send details of your event in our contact form. Remember to include the time of the event as well.
What areas do you serve?
We perform in the Hampton Roads/Tidewater area of Coastal Virginia. Locations include, Norfolk, Newport News, Hampton, Williamsburg, Chesapeake, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach.
What is your payment policy?
We require a deposit of $100 to reserve your booking. That will reserve your time and date with us. If paying online, the remainder is due 7 business days prior to the date of your event. If paying by check or cash, the payment can be given to the coordinator on the day of the event, before the musicians begin playing.
What do I need to provide for the quartet?
We’re pretty self-sufficient. All we require are armless, straight back chairs from which to perform. We bring everything else, including battery powered stand lights and music clips to hold our music on a windy day.
Does the quartet perform outside?
We are happy to perform outdoors. We do ask that shade (an umbrella or small tent if there is no natural shade) be provided to protect our instruments and that an alternate indoor location be reserved in the case of inclement weather.
Do you need amplification?
Amplification is usually not necessary when we are performing for wedding ceremonies. Acoustic performances also preserve the natural warmth and ambience that our instruments produce. If amplification is desired it is usually best for us to talk to your DJ to mic us into their system.
How much space does the quartet need in which to perform?
The string quartet can usually fit within an area of approximately 10 x 10 feet. This allows enough space for the musicians to position themselves in a way that allows for optimal sound projection and coordination. If your ensemble is smaller, then an 8 x 10’ area is sufficient.
What time will the musicians arrive?
The players will arrive one hour prior to the starting time of your event so we can set up and check in with your planner or venue contact to coordinate and confirm cues.
What do the musicians wear?
The ensemble will wear concert black attire, a formal look that doesn’t distract from the music.
Will you work with a soloist for an event?
Yes, we can work with a soloist for the event, for an additional fee. If including a soloist within your ceremony, it’s best for the quartet to talk directly with the performer so that the details of the song(s) are clear.
Do you attend rehearsals?
Normally, we do not come to the rehearsal. We go over all of the details with each couple and coordinator in the months and weeks prior to the event. Every detail is carefully planned so that on the day of the event, we are highly prepared.
What are the qualifications of the musicians that will be performing?
Since the founding of the Harbor String Quartet over 25 years ago, quality and talent of the players is the most important element of the group. All of our musicians are highly skilled, experienced professional instrumentalists. They have extensive careers as members of the Virginia Symphony, Virginia Opera and Virginia Musical Theate and the Virginia Arts Festival. And, having performed hundreds of weddings together over the past 25 years, each player is intuitive and skilled at blending and creating the most perfect sound for your event. The Harbor String Quartet is the only string quartet in the state of Virginia sponsored and funded by the Virginia Commission for the Arts.