Summer 2015 Wedding Season; Feeling Thankful; Awesome Accolades and New Reviews

As June wraps up, wedding season is just about in full swing, and will continue until September, when things start to slow down. One of the great things (knock on wood) about 2015 so far is that the weather, while quite variable during the week, has been uniformly great across the country on weekends, something that we are thankful for, and we hope it continues all year long!

Another thing that we are thankful for of late is the awesome feedback and exposure that our string ensemble has received over the past few months.  Just a few weeks ago, a wedding that our Toronto wedding ensemble of violin and cello held at the Four Seasons was featured on the Wedluxe blog:

http://wedluxe.com/a-modern-black-tie-wedding-infused-with-elegance/

And just prior to that, another Toronto wedding ceremony that we performed at was featured on event source:

http://www.eventsource.ca/blog/cheryl-andres-stunning-wedding-malaparte

As if that weren’t exciting enough, we have received lost of great feedback from clients across the country, and here are two recent reviews:

“My wedding was just this past Saturday and I have to say Duo D'Amore hit it out of the park! My ceremony music was exceptional! A big thank you to Matthew for all of his rapid communication with me! I must have sent the poor man 20 panicked emails after meeting with our priest each time and finding out about something that wasn't previously communicated to me that the musicians had to do. Matthew made sure everything was taken care of and always put me at ease. I would absolutely recommend Duo D'Amore to anyone looking for beautiful music for their event.” Elysse, bride

 

“Thank you so much for your wishes below and please thank the duo that performed at my wedding – it was absolutely beautiful. They played wonderfully and I look forward to many future performances very soon!” Emily, bride

 

Photo: the beautiful ceremony site at Ravine Vineyards, Niagara


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Wedding String Ensembles Toronto: Brittany and Rob

“The music was beautiful for the ceremony. I especially loved Pachelbel coming down the aisle and A Thousand Years by Christina Perri during the signing.” Brittany, bride

 

 

Brittany was great to work with. She has lots of great ideas for choosing the wedding songs, and we worked together to make sure that there was variety in the styles of music, as well as a great flow, which is very important. I enjoyed the fact that the ceremony started out with classical selections, and moved on to more modern selections as the ceremony progressed. The classical selections were quite upbeat: Bach's Jesu Joy has great movement as it is based on a dance tune, and it is also fun to walk down the aisle and Pachelbel Canon (in our version) also moves along at a stately yet brisk pace. The two of them work very well together for this reason. For the signing, A Thousand Years is a great addition to the program, as it slows things down a bit, yet injects a more modern vibe into the ceremony, which continues with  the great Beautiful Day, which not only ended the ceremony, but reinforced what a beautiful day it was!

 

Wedding party: Bach: Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring

Bride: Pachelbel Canon

Signing: Christina Perri: A Thousand Years and Enya: Only Time

Recessional: U2: Beautiful Day

 

Toronto Wedding Vendors:

Event Planner: Jenny Foster Vaya

Venue: Atlantis Pavilion

Videographer: In the Moment Productions

Wedding ceremony music Toronto/GTA: Duo d’Amore-violin and cello duos, string trios and string quartets

 

 

 

 

 


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Read more about the article Wedding Violinist Cellist Niagara: Kurtz Orchards
Wedding Violinist Cellist Niagara: Kurtz Orchards

Wedding Violinist Cellist Niagara: Kurtz Orchards

Wedding Violinist Cellist Niagara: Kurtz Orchards. Nadine and Ryans’s wedding ceremony at Kurtz Orchard Farm Estate, July 12, 2015.

Continue ReadingWedding Violinist Cellist Niagara: Kurtz Orchards

New for 2015-Duo d’Amore adds ukulele to instrument lineup

New for 2015-Duo d’Amore adds ukulele to instrument lineup

We are extremely excited to add the ukulele to our wedding and event music starting in the summer of 2015. As far as we know we are the first Canadian wedding and event ensemble to do this!The ukulele is super hot and trendy at the moment, and we love it as well. Why the ukulele? As a classical and pop string ensemble performing especially for wedding ceremonies, our clients are always on the search for something new and unexpected, and the ukulele is perfect, and also sounds great with either the violin or cello. We can really see the ukulele working extremely well at small to medium sized weddings. Can you picture for example a classical string ensemble performing the music of Bach for the wedding party and bridesmaids walk down the aisle, and then switching to ukulele and cello for a Hawaiian version of Somewhere Over The Rainbow--it would be so unexpected and give a completely different, fun exciting sound to a piece that we perform with the violin and cello.

 

As we are just starting to put together our ukulele and violin and cello music, let us know what songs you might like!

 

 

 


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Read more about the article Niagara Falls Wedding String Quartet
Niagara Falls Wedding String Quartet. Jessica + David’s wedding at Hernder Estates Winery,

Niagara Falls Wedding String Quartet

This wedding ceremony was bright, summery and (aside from the gale force winds) absolutely gorgeous. We arrived quite early prior to the ceremony, as this was our first time at Hernder Estate Winery, located just outside of St Catharines. We found the wedding planner and had a quick chat, and began to setup our chairs, and as the ceremony venue was by the pond, we brought along our tent, and set that up as well. We had to improvise as even though the pegs were into the ground, the tent was in danger of blowing away (see the trees in the background by the very talented photographer Robyn Russell). We borrowed a few rocks from the pond to secure the tent and all was well. By the time we ere setup (about 10 minutes) the guests had not arrived yet, and it is always nice to be so prepared well in advance.

When the guests began to arrive we performed some upbeat pop songs, including hits by Elvis and the Beatles, to keep the mood light and fun. During this time, Sheldon Kofsky the officiant arrived and we received a cue from the planner that the bridesmaids’ processional was about to begin.

The mood shifted with the music selections to include the lovely open knit and fresh sounding music of Bach when the four bridesmaids and flower girl walked up the aisle, and took their places. At that point we paused for a few seconds, and began the famous Pachelbel’s Canon for the bride and her father’s walk. When they had reached the front of the aisle overlooking the pond and bridge at Hernder, we created a seamless and melodic ending, which was perfectly timed.

The next part of the ceremony where music happens is during the signing of the register, following the vows and kiss. For this section the mood was a little bit quieter, as we performed Bach’s Sleepers Awake, before the triumphant Mendelsohn’s Wedding March was heard as the couple were introduced as husband and wife for the first time.

 

Wedding Ceremony Music Selections

Bridesmaids Processional: Bach Air

Bride: Pachelbel Canon

Signing of the register: Bach: Sleepers Awake

Recessional: Mendelsohn Wedding March

 

Niagara Wedding Vendors

Brides Dress: Maggie Sottero

Bridesmaids Dresses: David Bridal
Groom & Groomsmen Tuxes: Moores


MUAH: Beyoutiful Brides


Venues: Hilton Fallsview Hotel & Hernder Estate Winery

Minister: Sheldon Kofsky


Musicians: Duo D’Amore


Florist: BBBlooms Floral Studio


Bakery: The Frosted Cupcake


Photographer and photo credit: Robyn Russell

Linens: Gotcha Covered


DJ: Alpha Audio Visual

 

Wedding ceremony music Niagara ON: Duo d’Amore-violin and cello duos, string trios and string quartets

 


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Read more about the article London Ontario wedding musicians
Vancouver String Quartet for Corporate Events

London Ontario wedding musicians

Wedding ceremonies are full of planning and preparation, excitement and when the weather also cooperates, you get a beautiful ceremony like Andrea and Adams. This is something special, which does not always happen!

The music helped to create a wonderful atmosphere for the guest throughout the ceremony. I spoke with Andrea during the planning process, and she decided on the following ceremony music selections. Below each selection, I have made some notes on why these particular selections worked so well as performed by the violinist and cellist at The Old Courthouse in London.

 

Bridesmaid Processional - Moon River

This is a unique choice for the bridesmaids to walk down the aisle to. It really helps to create a calm mood, with a bit of sentimentality and wistfulness. The song provides a nice contrast (old vs. new, slow vs. medium slow) for the bride’s processional.

Processional - A Thousand Years

A new classic! A Thousand Years is really easy to walk to, and has a bit more drive to the music, something that is important to highlight the brides walk down the aisle.

 

Signing - Can't Help Falling in Love

With the previous selections, this works beautifully, as we slip back with a retro fell, but with timelessness as well.

 

Recessional - All You Need Is Love

This song is best described as being super fun and upbeat, and is a fantastic choice for the recessional.

 

Photo and photo credit: Dudek Photography

 

Wedding ceremony musicians London ON: Duo d’Amore-violin and cello duos, string trios and string quartets

 


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Toronto Wedding String Ensemble at Casa Loma

“Our ceremony was beautiful.  I was nervous and there were many things going on for me to recall the whole performance but parts of my recollection was how beautiful and a great complimentary the performance was.  Please thank the musicians for me that played once again as my husband and I thank you from our hearts for the excellent pieces that the two ladies did at our wedding.” Thuy, bride

We always enjoy performing at Casa Loma, and this wedding ceremony was no exception. The venue as as you can imagine (if you have never been there) is a large gothic revival building, which has the feel and grandeur of a castle. In planning the music selections, Thuy and John chose selections from the traditional classical repertoire that fit perfectly with their tastes, and matched the style of the wedding, as well as the style of the venue as a whole. Our violinist and cellist set up prior to the main arrival of the guests, and as the guests entered performed several selections of classical music to set and fit the mood, including movements from Handel’s Water Music. As with most wedding ceremonies, the ceremony begins with the bridesmaids walk down the aisle. Thuy and John really took advantage of the large aisle, and had a processional with considerable style: they not only had the bridesmaids walk down the aisle, but also included family members, flower girls and a whole procession of people, and they chose the wonderfully flowing and happy Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring, which was an absolutely perfect fit. The bride walked down to Pachelbel’s Canon (again, perfect) then there was a break in the music for the important vows, and kiss. For the signing of the marriage documents, Duo d’Amore performed Bach’s Air on the G-string, which is one of our favorites, especially for the signing. As the couple was introduced, we performed Mendelsohn’s Wedding March.

 

Wedding party processional: Bach: Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring

Bride: Pachelbel: Canon in D

Signing: Bach: Air on the G string

Recessional: Mendelsohn Wedding March

Video: Faithbooth

 

Wedding ceremony musicians Toronto ON: Duo d’Amore-violin and cello duos, string trios and string quartets

 


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Read more about the article Wedding Violinist Cellist Ensembles Canmore
Wedding Violinist Cellist Ensembles Canmore

Wedding Violinist Cellist Ensembles Canmore

“I wanted to say thank you for playing at my wedding. It was absolutely beautiful and I loved having Metallica play walking down the aisle. Got a lot of comments. I didn’t have a chance to thank them after the ceremony so please do for me.” Raylene, bride

This ceremony was wonderful in a different sort of way, and that’s always exciting for us. The biggest difference between this ceremony and a lot of other wedding ceremonies that we perform at in Canmore or across Canada is that we performed Metallica's Nothing Else Matters in a church. That really does not happen too often so it was quite a fun experience for us, the guests and the bride and groom.

After the processional in the wedding, comes the vows, and just after the vows comes the next portion where music is typically performed: the signing of the register. From Metallica, what music was chosen for this: something else unexpected—the very traditional Bach-Gounod Ave Maria. This works perfect for the signing, as it is both long enough (as signings can last up to 8 minutes) and it is also more laid back. This laid back quality is just what is needed to contrast with the more upbeat recessional. Speaking of the recessional, this often takes place just seconds after the signing, as the officiant introduces the couple. For Raylene and Trevor’s recessional the violin and cello players performed Clarke’s Trumpet Voluntary, to end the beautiful ceremony at the Church of the Rockies  with traditional and non-traditional elements.

Photo and Photo credit: www.Peakphotography.ca

Wedding ceremony musicians Canmore AB: Duo d’Amore-violin and cello duos, string trios and string quartets

 


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Read more about the article Star Wars Wedding String Quartet
Star Wars Wedding String Quartet

Star Wars Wedding String Quartet

Ok, I’m just going to come out and say it—I’m 34 and just watched Star Wars for the first time the other day. Of course, I loved it, and thought that it would be a great idea for a wedding. Others have thought that way to, and you can read about interesting wedding ceremonies here.

If you do a Google search for Star Wars Wedding, a lot of what comes up is about costumes, hair, and other theme related details. However, as you can imagine, with Duo d’Amore, it’s all about the music. While we have performed Star Wars music at wedding in the past (namely the Imperial March) it would be great to put together a whole wedding with John Williams’ amazing score from the films. The string section of the orchestra features prominently in the film, and  any of our ensembles are perfect to convey the amazing compositions. Though there are many possibilities, I think this grouping would work particularly well:

Star Wars Wedding Program

Wedding Party Processional: Han Solo and Leia Love Theme, Empire strikes back

This theme is great to walk to as there is a slow but steady beat and it is quite lush. It is nice that the theme represents the love between the Han and Princess Leia, which is perfect for the bridesmaids and wedding party to walk to. It would make a great violin and cello duet.

Bride: Princess Leia’s Theme, Episode IV

This is the natural choice, and I would omit the introduction and start the processional head on with the main theme. Alternatively, it would be great to start this with the rebel fanfare, then lead into princess Leia’s theme. Either a duo, trio or string quartet could do this song justice.

Signing of the register: The Force Theme, Episode IV

While I originally thought the force theme would be a good option for the bridesmaids, It would actually suit the signing much better. This is quite a serious theme, a bit on the dark side (sorry about the pun) for the bridesmaids to walk down the aisle to, but perfect for the legal portion of the ceremony. This would sound great with the fullness of a string quartet

Recessional: Main Theme, Episode IV

To top it all off, the theme that everyone has been waiting for: the main theme from the film. This is the natural ending to a fun (and just a bit geeky) wedding! Again, the duo, trio and string quartet could really make this shine.

 

Wedding ceremony music: Duo d'Amore-violin and cello duos trios and quartets

 


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Read more about the article Calgary Wedding Violinist Cellist: Denise and Jason
Calgary Wedding Violinist Cellist: Denise and Jason

Calgary Wedding Violinist Cellist: Denise and Jason

June seems so far away, but not when you compare it to the person whose anniversary it is today-today is the 309th anniversary of the death of Johann Pachelbel, the composer of the famous Canon, and lesser know gigue (or as we know it ‘jig’, a dance popular in the baroque). But this is getting far off the mark in terms of Denise and Jason’s wonderful catholic wedding ceremony at St Josephs’ Church in Calgary.

As the ceremony was catholic, we had the opportunity to perform some amazing and traditional wedding songs that work perfectly, and like Pachelbel Canon are well loved. Prior to the ceremony, we also performed a mixture of some soft and more upbeat classical music, before starting the music for the bridesmaids. As the first bridesmaid took a step and walked down the aisle, we performed Charpentier’s regal and almost march-like Prelude from TeDeum, an early hymn that is quite upbeat. This was followed by Pachelbel’s Canon for the bride. As this was a full mass, we also performed Bach’s Wachet Auf or Sleeper’s Awake for communion and followed that up with a perennial Bach favorite, Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring. As the priest pronounced them husband and wife our final piece of ceremony music performance was Handel’s glorious second hornpipe from the watermusik.

Ceremony music:

Bridesmaid processional: Charpentier prelude from TeDeum

Bride processional: Pachelbel canon in D 

Communion: Bach Wachet auf (sleepers awake) 

Signing: Bach Jesu Joy of mans desiring 

Recessional: Handel hornpipe II from water music

Vendors:

Calgary wedding photographers, and photo credit – Christina & Nathan


Venue – Calgary Italian Club


Decor – Teal with Reflections Weddings

Wedding ceremony musicians Calgary: Duo d’Amore-violin and cello duos, string trios and string quartets

 


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