Heart Strings - a strolling violin/cello duo

About

We can also expand to be a larger group like a trio or a quartet, and as a duo we can sit and play in a designated location at your event or we can stroll.

For a nominal extra fee we can even perform choreographed dance numbers with our instruments to provide with unique and fun entertainment for your event!

One client wrote "you are all folks have talked about since that evening. You exceeded our expectations, and made us look like rock stars so thank you so very much."

Our repertoire is very extensive. We can play classical music, like Pachelbel Canon, Bach Air, Schubert Ave Maria, Handel's Watermusic, etc. We can also play rock music, like Stairway To Heaven, Great Balls of Fire, My Girl, Bohemian Rhapsody, etc, as well as a large repertoire of music by The Beatles. We can also play Irish music, Joplin rags, cocktail hour music (like At Last, Unforgettable, Moon River, etc.), tangos and other Latin music, French salon music, Italian music, and even music from the 1920s.

Much of our music is arranged by the cellist in the group, so for a nominal fee, if what you want is not in our repertoire list, we can make an arrangement to fit your needs. Our most recent arrangements include Yellow (Coldplay), Viva La Vida (Coldplay), Born The Way (Lady Gaga), I'm Yours (Jason Mraz), Lucky (Jason Mraz), Make You Feel My Love (Adele), 3 pieces by the Rolling Stones, and Unchained Melody from the movie "Ghost".

We have a two-hour minimum for our bookings, and we arrive 1/2 before the booking (not included in the 2-hours).

We can also provide our own amplification (needs power) for a nominal fee, in which case we will arrive 1 hour before we are to play in order to set up the amplification.

Personnel

Kerry Borgen: violinist
Gretchen Egen: cellist

Influences

Vitamin String Quartet

What to Expect

Typical Gig Duration: 120 - 540 minutes

Most people are interested in a 2-hour duo booking. We arrive 1/2 hour early to set up, unless you wish for us to bring amplification, in which case we arrive 1 hour early. We typically play 15-30 minutes as a wedding prelude, then we play the wedding processionals, ceremony music (if any), and a recessional or 2. Often we move to another location for the cocktail hour. As soon as we are set up, we play for the cocktail hour. If the client requests certain pieces from our repertoire, we always play them, and try to have the client nearby when we do. If the booking is longer than 2 hours, we may take a 10-minute break for each hour hired, although often we rarely take much of a break.

If the client gives us a color scheme for the event, we will try to accommodate with a splash that color scheme, like a scarf.

To prepare for your event, we are very punctual with emails and phone calls. We are always happy to assist you with any questions you make have, and if you want some advice on picking music, we are happy to help.

If you also hire us to make a special arrangement that is not already in our repertoire, we will make a top-notch arrangement by listening to the original group performing the piece and making the arrangement sound very similar to the original.

Stage/Setup Requirements:
Armless chairs will be needed if the musicians will be sitting while playing.
If indoors, and if we're sitting, we will need access to an electrical outlet so that we can plug in lights for our music stands.
If outdoors, we need protection from direct sunlight or rain

Additional Notes:
We are a very self contained ensemble. We bring our own battery powered lights in the event there is dim lighting. If you are interested in having the ensemble amplified, we bring our own amp and mics, but would need an electrical outlet close by so we can have power. There is an extra fee for amplification.

Set/Song/Sequence List:
We have a very extensive repertoire of over 350 pieces. Please visit our website at www.musicalheartstrings.net to view the entire list. If you interested in hearing sound bites, simply click on the titles that are highlighted in green.
Thank you!

Available for Your

Anniversary Party, Bar/Bat Mitzvah Party, Birthday Party, Christmas Party, Church Service, Corporate Event, Cruise, Fundraiser, Funeral Service, Grand Opening, Hotel, Launch Party, Luncheon/Tea, Private Party, Quinceañera, Restaurant, Wedding Ceremony, Wedding Reception

Browse Other

Classical Ensembles in Martinez, California

Search a different location

Whether you hire Heart Strings - a strolling violin/cello duo or other Classical Ensembles in Martinez for your party, wedding, or event, Gig Salad makes it super-easy to book professional Classical Ensembles.

We strongly recommend that all communication be kept on the Gig Salad Booking Platform as you book your Classical Ensemble. When you do, we’re able to offer numerous benefits that we can’t guarantee if you take communication or deposit payment off the Gig Salad platform. Our booking system is easy to use and handles secure deposit payments from you to the Martinez Classical Ensemble of your choice.

Additionally, the quote/agreement sent from your Classical Ensemble to you using the Gig Salad platform, should outline performance fees, extras, arrival and departure times, cancellation policy, insurance information and other details.