Ester and Phil’s wedding, May 31 at Balls Falls Historical Church, Lincoln ON

We performed at another interesting wedding today. No matter how many ceremonies or receptions we perform at it always amazes me how different they can be and how essential everyone’s job is on the big day. Florists, the officiant, the musicians, everyone has a big impact on the outcome of the event.

Phil and Ester’s wedding was nicely tailored to fit their style, especially regarding the music. For the prelude as the guest were entering and being seated, we performed a mixture of music with a sort of French café feel to it. Selections included La Vie En Rose, made popular by Edith Piaf and the Theme from Moulin Rouge as well as other unique songs from our catalogue of custom arrangements.

As Ester walked in, we performed another special arrangement of the song Will the Night, which went over very well and switched to Pachelbel Canon for the signing. The recessional was Disney/Pixar’s Theme from Up.

Because the Church is such an intimate venue, we are able to use this to our advantage in arranging the music. We made good use of pizzicato or plucking for some of the cello parts, and explored some interesting keys (B Major in particular.) There is also something special about playing an a wooden Church, and the rich sound of B Major seemed to resonate and sound much richer with the violin and cello.

The Church pews were decorated with very attractive floral arrangement from Van Noort Florists in Niagara on the Lake, and the ceremony was officiated by Kip Philip of Enduring Promises.

Venue: Balls Falls Historical Church
Officiant: Kip Philip
Florist: Van Noort Florists
Ceremony musicians: Duo d’Amore- string duos, trios and quartets


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Continue ReadingEster and Phil’s wedding, May 31 at Balls Falls Historical Church, Lincoln ON

Performance for Fidelity Investments corporate event at the ROM May 29, 2013

We really enjoy performing for corporate events, and it’s always an added perk when the venue itself is interesting. This event was in the Mammals Gallery which is pretty spectacular.

Duo d’Amore was hired to provide live background entertainment for around 40 guests, during a reception. Our violinist Emily and cellist Lydia had a wonderful time entertaining the guests with a selection of classical and contemporary music. Here is what the client said after I followed up with him:

“Outstanding performance. I met the musicians yesterday and thanked them for their services. Please extend my gratitude heartfelt thanks to them as well.”

Additionally, a special thank you to the staff at the ROM especially Michael Petty and Lesia Huculak, the corporate events coordinators.


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Continue ReadingPerformance for Fidelity Investments corporate event at the ROM May 29, 2013

Julie and Brent’s wedding ceremony at Bissell’s Hideaway Resort, violin and cello duo, June 1, 2013, Pelham ON

This venue was a complete and utter surprise for Duo d’Amore—it was our first time performing here, and we can’t wait to be back. I encourage our readers to look at their website (www.bissellshideaway.com) as this venue is not only great for a wedding or event but for spending time with the family.

The music for this wedding was as varied, exciting and interesting as the beautiful outdoor wedding. Congratulations to Julie and Brent!

Processional: Top Gun Anthem

Processional: Beatles: Here Comes The Sun

Signing: U2: All I Want Is You and Cohen: Hallelujah

Recessional: Journey: Don’t Stop Believin’ and Coldplay: Viva la Vida

Wedding Ceremony Music: Duo d’Amore-string duos, trios and quartets


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Continue ReadingJulie and Brent’s wedding ceremony at Bissell’s Hideaway Resort, violin and cello duo, June 1, 2013, Pelham ON

Wedding season is now upon us

At Duo d’Amore, we have been busy compiling and creating new arrangements for brides and grooms at upcoming wedding ceremonies and receptions. You might notice that some of the songs in this list are on our current list, but these have been reworked for another ensemble such as a string trio or string quartet. Many songs (such as A Thousand Years by Christina Perri) are brand new and we are excited to play them at upcoming engagements. Also, our Guide to Wedding Ceremony Music Selections and Sample Programs (available on the Samples page) will be updated to reflect our growing list of music. Enjoy!

A Thousand Years-Christina Perri (violin and cello duo, string trio)
A Warm Place-Nine Inch Nails (violin and cello duo)
Accidentally in Love-Counting Crows (violin and cello duo)
All I Want is You –U2 (string quartet)
All Things Bright and Beautiful, hymn (violin & cello duo, string trio, string quartet)
Appalachia Waltz-Mark O’Connor (string trio)
Be Thou My Vision (violin and cello duo, string trio)
Butterfly Waltz-Brian Crain (violin and cello duo)
Don’t Stop Believin’-Journey (violin and cello duo)
Eagles Wings, hymn (string quartet)
El Scorcho-Weezer (violin and cello duo)
Everlong-Foo Fighters (violin and cello duo)
Game of Thrones Theme (violin and cello duo)
Hands Down-Dashboard Confessional (violin and cello duo)
Here Comes the Sun-Beatles (string quartet)
I Will Remember You-Sarah McLachlan (violin and cello duo)
Imagine-Beatles (string quartet)
In My Life-Beatles (string quartet)
In My Place-Coldplay (violin and cello duo)
Josie-Blink 182 (violin and cello duo)
Lost Theme (violin and cello duo)
Theme from Cinema Paradiso-Morricone (violin and cello duo, string quartet))
Lucky-Jason Mraz (violin and cello duo)
Never Say Never-The Fray (violin and cello duo, string trio)
Nocturne-Secret Garden (string quartet)
November Rain (violin, cello and piano)
Por Una Cabeza-Gardel (violin and cello duo)
Super Mario Waltz (violin & cello duo)
Sweet Child of Mine-Guns ‘n Roses (violin & cello duo)
Teenage Dream-Katy Perry (violin & cello duo)
Time to Say Goodbye-Bocelli (string trio)
Today-Smashing Pumpkins (string trio)
True Love Waits-Radiohead (violin and cello duo)
Two Words-Salonga (violin and cello duo)
Viva la Vida (string quartet)
Yellow-Coldplay (violin and cello duo)


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Read more about the article Wedding Violinist Cellist String Ensembles Toronto: Canoe Restaurant
Wedding String Quartet Toronto: Rica and Philip at Le Select Bistro

Wedding Violinist Cellist String Ensembles Toronto: Canoe Restaurant

This wedding held at Canoe restaurant in Toronto was just perfect—a wonderful setting, great ambiance and great music, and of course the couple looked great too.

We performed a modern selection of ceremony songs, from Somewhere over the Rainbow to Lucky by Jason Mraz, and our violinist and cellist in the string duo received many positive comments for their beautiful performance.

Pre ceremony: 
Somewhere Over the Rainbow (in the Style of Israel K) -Arlen
Fix You-Coldplay

While parents/special guests are being seated:
Unforgettable - Nat King Cole
Processional:
Can’t Help Falling in Love-Elvis

Recessional:
"Lucky" by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat

Wedding Ceremony Music: Duo d’Amore-string duos, trios and quartets

 


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Continue ReadingWedding Violinist Cellist String Ensembles Toronto: Canoe Restaurant
Read more about the article Wedding Violinist Cellist Cambridge ON: Michelle and Jeff
Wedding Violinist Cellist Caledon: Sabrina and Sean

Wedding Violinist Cellist Cambridge ON: Michelle and Jeff

After performing in over 1000 wedding ceremonies, it’s so great to be surprised and delighted with performing music. Not just new music, but music arranged in a particular way, perhaps used for a different part of the wedding ceremony that is not so common. This wedding was full of surprises. With music by Enya, The Verve, Guns N’ Roses and the theme to Anne of Green Gables this wedding gave us an exciting surprise and a playlist we won’t soon forget!

Bridesmaids: Enya Only Time

Bride: Guns N’ Roses November Rain

Signing: Anne's Theme from Anne of Green Gables

Recessional: The Verve: Bittersweet Symphony

Wedding Ceremony Music: Duo d’Amore-string duos, trios and quartets


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Continue ReadingWedding Violinist Cellist Cambridge ON: Michelle and Jeff

Iva and Mike’s wedding ceremony at Our Lady of M Bistrica Church, violin and cello duo, May 25, Calgary AB

Our clients were married at a beautiful Croatian Church in Calgary, and chose their ceremony music to fit the different parts during the ceremony. We really enjoy performing Charpentier’s Prelude at wedding, as this was no exception, as our string ensemble played this piece of music during the bridesmaid’s processional. Once the bridesmaids got to the front of the church, we performed Pachelbel Canon.  One of our favorite pieces (though somewhat less popular than Jesu Joy is Bach’s other composition, Arioso, which we performed during communion. Rounding out the ceremony was Mendelssohn’s Wedding March.

Bridesmaids: Charpentier: Prelude from TeDeum
Bride: Pachelbel Canon D
Signing: Bach: Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring
Communion: Bach: Arioso

Exit of Bride and Groom: Wedding March

Wedding Ceremony Music: Duo d’Amore-string duos, trios and quartets


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Continue ReadingIva and Mike’s wedding ceremony at Our Lady of M Bistrica Church, violin and cello duo, May 25, Calgary AB
Read more about the article Wedding Cellist Niagara: A Rose of a Wedding at The Pillar and Post
Wedding Cellist Niagara: A Rose of a Wedding at The Pillar and Post

Wedding Cellist Niagara: A Rose of a Wedding at The Pillar and Post

Held outdoors in the Rose Garden, Jennifer and Stephane’s wedding was a wonderful intimate occasion, enhanced by the fresh, bright spring weather.

I really have to congratulate Jennifer and Kevin for making their wedding dreams come true, and they accomplished this with a good measure of style and grace. First off, they did something that not many couples do: they were married at 9:30am!

I think this is wonderful, and that more couples should get married first thing in the morning, as you get to spend the whole day and you have the whole day to be with your new spouse and celebrate with your family and friends. Another nice thing about the ceremony was that there were less than 20 guests there, all of them there (I’m sure) because they really mean something to the bride and groom.- also wonderful. I wanted to comment also on the music choices, because there was one song that worked especially well. If you have been reading or following this blog you might notice that many of the vents that we perform at are with ensembles or groupings of instruments that are with multiple players, such as the violin and cello duo, three players in the trio four for a quartet and so on. This particular wedding was performed with a solo cellist, which although not as common as the some of the other ensembles, it was an absolute perfect fit for this ceremony and the music the couple chose. Here are their selections:

Bridesmaids Entrance: Pachelbel Canon
Bride: Enya: Amarantine
Signing; Bach Air
Recessional: Bittersweet Symphony

Once again, we would like to congratulate Jennifer and Stephane, and wish them a lifetime of wedded bliss!


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Brittany and Luke’s wedding ceremony at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, violin and cello duo, June 1, 2013, Paris ON

Romance is the word that best describes everything about this wedding. The Church was absolutely gorgeous, and a joy to perform in. Built in1857 in the Gothic Revival style it is reported to be an important piece of Ontario architectural history.

To help with the music choices for the ceremony, I sent our clients Duo d’Amore’s Guide to Wedding Ceremony Music Selections, and Sample Programs (you can find these on the Samples page of www.duodamore.com) and they chose the Romantic package showcasing songs that fit together  and sound amazing when performed by our string duo of violin and cello.

Processional: Pachelbel Canon

Signing: Massenet: Meditation from Thais

Recessional: Mendelsohn Wedding March

Wedding Ceremony Music: Duo d’Amore-string duos, trios and quartets


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Continue ReadingBrittany and Luke’s wedding ceremony at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, violin and cello duo, June 1, 2013, Paris ON

Wedding String Quartet Ancaster: Andrew and Jamie

If I were to describe Andrew and Jamie’s wedding ceremony using just a few words, I would say that it was modern with a classic touch. As the wedding was held outdoors, near the gurgling stream running and cascading through the limestone bedrock, and the weather was perfect—so was the venue. When we, Duo d’Amore, arrived we were greeted by the staff at Ancaster Old Mill (who always do a great job and are very well organized) as well as Reverend McNally. In our decades of experience, Revered McNally is one of those people that once you meet him, you will never forget him. He is so warm, open, funny, awhile at the same time, he really cares for each couple that he marries, and he’s been marrying couples for over 50 years.

As the guests were arriving, we began to perform a number of selections for our classical repertoire. At the appropriate time we received a cue from the venue’s staff, and proceeded to start playing the music for the four bridesmaids. A note on that—getting back to how I described the ceremony as modern with a classic touch, while the venue was certainly classic, the music selections that the couple made and were performed at the ceremony was a blending of both of these elements, as we performed the following arrangements for violin and cello duo:

Bridesmaids: “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley
Bride: “Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton
Signing of the Register: “Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles
                                                  “Air” by Bach
Recessional: “Bittersweet Symphony” by the Verve

It is important to note that we played two songs for the signing, and here’s why: As the signing is typically the quietest part of the ceremony, wedged in between the ceremonial, and often emotional Brides walk down the aisle, and the celebratory recessional, it is a perfect place to highlight familiar and contemporary song choice such as the Beatles, but it is also a great opportunity to include music for a bit of reflection. We would like to congratulate Jamie and Andrew on their beautiful wedding at the Old Mill.


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Continue ReadingWedding String Quartet Ancaster: Andrew and Jamie