Wedding Violinist Cellist Calgary. Jana and Mark’s wedding at Q Haute Cuisine, June 18, 2016. This ceremony was really fun and lighthearted, and we were excited to perform at Q Haute Cuisine, as this was a new venue in Calgary. Jana and Mark opted for our most popular ensemble, the violin and cello duo. The couple did a great job choosing their song selections, as everything fit perfectly, and was timed brilliantly.
Choosing Wedding Music
The prelude songs worked very well, as most often we perform all classical or a mix of pop and classical, which helps to create a calm, relaxing mood. In this case, the couple chose all pop, and the right songs make all the difference! During the ceremony, the music switched to classical, and again everything fit wonderfully. I love the combination of Bach Air with Pachelbel’s Canon. Jesu Joy (also by Bach) is an exceptional signing song, and ending with Bittersweet Symphony for that burst of energy as the couple exits was the perfect touch!
“Thanks so much for everything—it was perfect!” Jana, bride
Prelude music as guests arrived:
Our string duo performed a selection of modern and pop music as guests arrived and were seated.
Isreal kamakawiwo’ole – Somewhere Over The Rainbow
Christina Perri – A Thousand Years
Louis Armstrong – What a wonderful World
Train – Marry Me
Elvis Presley – Can’t Help Falling In love
Ceremony
Bridesmaids & groomsmen, flower girl & ring bearer: Bach – Air on the G-string
Processional (for bride to walk down to): Pachelbel – Canon in D
Signing: Bach – Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring
Recessional: The Verve – Bittersweet Symphony
Wedding Vendors:
Photography and photo credit: Kristyn Harder
Venue: Q Haute
Hair: Hair by Christine of MaddPretty
Makeup: Trena Laine
Flowers: Avenida Growers
Wedding Gown: Pronovias – Bertina
Veil: Rococo Brides
Chalkboard Art: Calgary Chalk Artist
Ceremony music: Duo d’Amore-string duos, trios and quartets
About Duo d’Amore’s Wedding Violinist Cellist and ensembles Calgary
Duo d’Amore is an award winning string ensemble, made up of professional violinists, violists and cellists. Together we have versatile string ensembles such a s solo violinists and cellists, string duos, string trios and quartets. We perform a wide variety of music including pop, Top40 and classical for weddings, special and corporate events.
Whatever the size and scope of your wedding or event, there is a string ensemble that will perfectly suit the occasion. Listed below is an overview of our string ensembles, and some general remarks about the size of wedding or event where they are best suited. Every event is unique and we suggest that you contact us so that we can plan and customize a string ensemble for your special occasion. Contact us here https://duodamore.com/contact-us/
The solo violin
The smallest bowed string instrument in the violin family is the violin. It is also the quietest instrument, but that does not mean that it cannot produce a sound. Don’t forget that violin soloists regularly perform with a 50-100 piece orchestra, in a large hall seating 2000 or more people, and the solo violin can be heard over the entire orchestra, and at the very back of the concert hall. How? This comes down to the skill of the violinist, and positioning. This is why at wedding ceremonies for example we often are quite picky about the exact spot where our violinists and ensembles perform, no matter if the string ensemble is outdoors or indoors a single violinist is a great choice.
Duo d’Amore’s solo violinist is a great option for those who want live music but have a smaller budget. The solo violinist performs classical pieces, contemporary pieces, and a mix of both. Their music is perfect for wedding ceremonies, cocktail receptions, and intimate dinners.
The solo cello
Like the solo violin, a solo cellist is a great option for slightly smaller wedding ceremonies and receptions around Calgary. Larger than the violin, it is very resonant, and can play an equally wide range of music. Clients that hire the solo cello and solo violin for weddings and events often have a guest list of under 50, but not necessarily so.
The violin and cello duo
The violin and cello duo, or string duet, is made up of one violin player and one cello player. This is our most requested string ensemble for hire around Calgary. Having both the violin, which is able to play soaring melodies, and the cello which is able to anchor and often accompany, while having an even larger sound it is no wonder that this is our most popular string ensemble. I like to imagine that the violin is like the right hand of the piano and the cello is the left had of the piano, together they can play almost anything, and that is another reason that it is our most popular ensembles.
Duo d’Amore’s violin and cello duo is a popular choice for weddings. The duo consists of a violinist and a cellist who play together, creating a beautiful, harmonious sound. The duo’s repertoire includes classical pieces, contemporary pieces, and a mix of both. Their music is perfect for wedding ceremonies, cocktail receptions, and dinner parties.
The String Trio
The string trio is made up of the violin and cello, with the addition of a third instrument. Often this is a violin or viola. We recommend this ensemble for 150-200 guests.
The String Quartet
Our string quartet is the largest wedding ensemble that we have for hire in Calgary. The string quartet has a long and rich history. This dates back to the classical period of music in the 18th century. Composers such as Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven wrote some of the most famous and enduring string quartet works. In the 19th century, the string quartet continued to be an important genre, with composers such as Schubert and Brahms producing some of their most notable works in this format. During this time, the string quartet also began to be used for more private, intimate occasions such as weddings.
Versatile ensemble
We often recommend the string quartet for large gatherings, receptions, weddings and events with 200 or more guests. The string quartet is one of our more versatile ensembles, as we can perform everything from Bach, Beethoven and Brahms in the classical spectrum, to pop, jazz, folk, Top40 and beyond.
Choosing wedding ceremony and reception music
Duo d’Amore has one of Canada’s largest collections of wedding pop and classical music for our string ensembles. In general here is what we recommend for a wedding ceremony. Of course, every ceremony is different and we like to customize things to suit your plans and ideas. We also have lots more wedding music planning ideas and resources on our blog, here.
Prelude (as guests arrive) 3-5 songs
Processional: 1 or 2 songs (1 song for both the wedding party and bride or 1 song for wedding party, another song for bride)
Signing: 1 classical song, or 2 pop songs
Recessional: 1 song
Consider slower less upbeat pop music guests arrive:
The prelude before the ceremony is a great time to include less upbeat pop music, as guests will be chatting. As well, we like to recommend that this is the time to include a wide variety of different styles, think classic rock, top40, the Beatles etc–a little something for everyone. Listen now: https://duodamore.com/samples/
Gradually add more contemporary/pop top 40
Add some contemporary selections. Adding contemporary music can add a modern touch to your playlist and appeal to a wider range of guests. Consider incorporating popular songs like “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri or “All of Me” by John Legend. As the ceremony progresses, we incorporate additional current pop music.
Incorporate special songs and consider adding special songs that have meaning to you and your partner. It could be your first dance song, song from your first date or song that holds special memories for the both of you.
Vary the moods and mix up the moods of the songs on your playlist to keep things interesting. Consider adding upbeat songs for the reception, and slower, more contemplative songs for the ceremony. Here are some ideas: https://www.brides.com/upbeat-love-songs-4799999
Signing of the register is a time for reflection
Next comes the signing. The signing of the marriage documents is a time to stop and reflect, and the choice of music should reflect that. This is the time to really slow things down. There may be time for one or even two pop songs, and don’y forget classical. The slower, quieter song choices really make whatever is chosen for the upbeat recessional “pop”.
The Recessional
At the end of the ceremony comes the recessional, where the couple exits. Again, this is a time for loud, bast celebratory music.
Tell your story
Make a playlist that tells your love story. Create a playlist that tells the story of your relationship, by adding songs that hold special memories for the both of you.
Wedding Venues in Calgary and area where are wedding violinist cellist have performed in Calgary
The Lake House
Located on the shores of Lake Bonavista. A stunning wedding venue with panoramic views of the lake and the Rocky Mountains. The venue features modern rustic decor and can accommodate up to 200 guests.
The Nash
The Nash is a contemporary restaurant and event space located in the historic National Hotel building. Elegant decor and a menu featuring locally sourced ingredients. The Nash is a popular choice for intimate weddings of up to 80 guests.
Fairmont Palliser
The Fairmont Palliser is a historic luxury hotel located in the heart of downtown Calgary. Several ballrooms and event spaces, each with its own unique charm and style. Can accommodate weddings of up to 500 guests.
The Baron Event Venue
A chic and modern event space located in the trendy neighbourhood of Kensington. This venue features a spacious dance floor, a fully equipped bar, and an outdoor patio. A capacity of up to 220 guests.
The Calgary Zoo
The Calgary Zoo offers a unique and memorable wedding venue. Options ranging from the intimate Conservatory to the spacious Safari Lodge. With stunning wildlife exhibits as a backdrop, this venue is perfect for animal lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
If you or someone you know is planning wedding or event and are looking for the finest, most experienced and professional Wedding Violinist Cellist and ensembles in Calgary to perform, please recommend and contact Duo d’Amore today. Listen to samples here.
