Cecelia Swanson is a Louisville-based professional cellist who has performed with the Louisville Orchestra, Lexington Philharmonic, and at hundreds of weddings and private events. Trained at the Cleveland Institute of Music, she brings artistry, elegance, and reliability to every performance, creating memorable music tailored to your special day.
4 reviews
Claire M.
October 28, 2025We hired Cecelia for our wedding ceremony and she was a dream to work with! Before the event she was a great communicator and did a great job of tailoring the music to what we wanted. She even found a second musician so we could play a specific song for when I walked down the aisle. The music was so beautiful and we got so many compliments from guests about how "classy" it made the event feel and how the cello and trumpet made people more emotional during the ceremony. Can't recommend her enough!
Hired as: Cellist
Lexi F.
August 19, 2025Cecelia was so incredible. She was quick to respond, provided us great recommendations when we didn’t know what we were doing, and was able to play every single song we requested. Many guests at our wedding complimented her playing as a great addition to the ceremony. I would recommend her to anyone in a heartbeat!
Hired as: Cellist
Kelley L. W.
July 28, 2024Cecelia’s Cello Studio was perfect for our event. We had a celebration of life party! Her music along with the violinist she also secured for the event were fabulous! They played wonderful sets of music, classical and classical pop ie. Bridgerton style. I know my mother in law was loving every last minute of the music as were all the guest. The music and ease of Gig Salad was a blessing. Thank you.
Hired as: Cellist
Maria M.
January 2, 2024Cecelia was the perfect complement to my outdoor wedding. She guided me through the process of selecting the songs that would sound the best for our setting (string duet). Cecelia played my all-time favorite song as I was walking down the aisle, making my dream wedding come true.
Hired as: String Trio
Price range: $275 and up
Languages: English
Gig length: 30 - 180 minutes
When you hire Cecelia, you can expect a seamless and professional experience from start to finish. She arrives on time, prepared, and ready to adapt to the flow of your event. With a warm and elegant cello sound, Cecelia provides everything from classical favorites and wedding standards to modern songs arranged for cello, creating the perfect atmosphere for your special occasion.
Your guests will experience live music that is both sophisticated and personal, enhancing the mood without overwhelming conversation or the ceremony. Cecelia works closely with clients to customize music selections, ensuring that each performance reflects your vision. Whether it’s an intimate ceremony, a lively cocktail hour, or a corporate event, she provides polished, memorable music that elevates the experience for everyone present.
Sample Wedding Music Flow:
Prelude (20-30 minutes before the ceremony)
• Light classical and romantic pieces to set the mood as guests arrive
(Examples: Bach’s Cello Suites, “Air on the G String,” “A Thousand Years”)
Processional
• Special selections for the wedding party and the bride’s entrance
(Examples: Pachelbel’s Canon in D, “Can’t Help Falling in Love”)
Ceremony
• Gentle background music or featured pieces during unity rituals, communion, or special moments
(Examples: Schubert’s Ave Maria, “Amazing Grace”)
Recessional
• Joyful, upbeat music as the couple exits
(Examples: “Marry You” by Bruno Mars, Handel’s “Hornpipe,” “This Will Be")
Cocktail Hour / Reception (optional add-on)
• Mix of jazz standards and modern love songs arranged for cello
(Examples: “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran, “Fly Me to the Moon,” Beatles favorites)
Cecelia Swanson is a professional cellist based in Louisville, Kentucky, known for her warm sound, versatility, and artistry. She holds both a Master’s degree and a Professional Studies diploma in Cello Performance and Suzuki Pedagogy from the Cleveland Institute of Music, where she studied with world-renowned cellist Sharon Robinson and members of The Cleveland Orchestra.
As a performer, Cecelia has played hundreds of weddings, ceremonies, and private events, bringing elegance and a personal touch to every occasion. She has performed as a substitute with the Louisville Orchestra and the Lexington Philharmonic, was a founding member of the award-winning Elless Quartet, and previously held orchestral positions with the Amarillo Symphony and Lubbock Symphony in Texas.
Beyond performance, Cecelia is passionate about using music to connect people. She has worked as a Teaching Artist with Documentary Songwriters, creating original music with students and survivors of domestic violence, and she continues to inspire through her private teaching studio in Louisville.
Whether you’re planning a wedding, corporate event, or intimate gathering, Cecelia provides a professional, reliable, and memorable musical experience tailored to your needs.
Power Access: Required for amplified sets (standard outlet).
Outdoor Venues: Must be provided with adequate shade (tent or tree cover) to protect both performer and instrument.
Space Needed: Minimum 6 ft x 6 ft performance area with a chair.
Weather Contingency: For outdoor events, a rain plan must be provided (cello and/or sound equipment cannot be exposed to rain, direct sun, or extreme temperatures).
Sound Equipment: Performer provides amplification if needed; venue must confirm power access.
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
3:00pm - 5:00pm
•
Crestwood, KY
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
6:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Versailles, KY
Sunday
Personal Occasion
5:00pm - 8:00pm
•
La Grange, KY
Classical Favorites
• Bach – Ave Maria (adapted by Gounod), Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring, Air (from Suite No. 3), Sheep May Safely Graze, Arioso (Cantata 156), Brandenburg Concerto No. 6 (selections), My Heart Ever Faithful, all Cello Suites
• Beethoven – Ode to Joy, Adagio (from “Pathétique” Sonata)
• Clarke – Trumpet Voluntary
• Faure – Berceuse (from “Dolly” Suite), Sicilienne, Pavane
• Franck – Panis Angelicus
• Gluck – Minuet & Dance of the Blessed Spirits (from Orpheus)
• Handel – Water Music Suite (Air, Hornpipe, etc.), La Rejouissance (from Fireworks Music)
• Mendelssohn – Wedding March, Songs Without Words (Regrets, Spring Song)
• Mozart – Romanza (Eine Kleine Nachtmusik), Andante (Piano Concerto No. 21), Andante (K. 316)
• Pachelbel – Canon in D
• Purcell – Trumpet Tune
• Saint-Saëns – The Swan (from Carnival of the Animals)
• Schubert – Ave Maria, Andante (Rosamunde Quartet)
• Schumann – Traumerei
• Tchaikovsky – Swan Lake (themes, Dance of the Little Swans), Romeo & Juliet Love Theme
• Vivaldi – Spring (from The Four Seasons)
• Wagner – Bridal Chorus (“Here Comes the Bride”)
Traditional & Sacred
• Amazing Grace
• How Great Thou Art
• The Prayer
• Londonderry Air (Danny Boy)
• Be Thou My Vision
Contemporary Christian
• Goodness of God – Bethel Music
• Gratitude – Brandon Lake
• Reckless Love – Cory Asbury
• Broken Vessels – Hillsong Worship
• I Can Only Imagine – Mercy Me
Popular & Contemporary
Timeless Classics:
• Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley
• At Last – Etta James
• My Girl – The Temptations
• Let’s Stay Together – Al Green
• Ain’t No Sunshine – Bill Withers
• Lovely Day – Bill Withers
• Feeling Good – Anthony Newley
• Imagine – The Beatles
• La Vie en Rose – Édith Piaf
• I Got You Babe – Sonny & Cher
• Stand By Me – Ben E. King
• A Sunday Kind of Love – Etta James
Modern Love Songs & Wedding Favorites:
• A Thousand Years – Christina Perri
• Perfect – Ed Sheeran
• Shape of You – Ed Sheeran
• Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran
• Marry You – Bruno Mars
• I’m Yours – Jason Mraz
• Make You Feel My Love – Adele
• Beautiful – Christina Aguilera
• Flowers – Miley Cyrus
• Goodness of God – Bethel Music
• Come Away With Me – Norah Jones
Pop & Rock Favorites:
• Beatles – All You Need Is Love, Here Comes the Sun, In My Life, Yesterday
• Coldplay – Yellow, The Scientist, Clocks
• Fleetwood Mac – Dreams
• Elton John – Tiny Dancer
• Beach Boys – God Only Knows
• Oasis – Don’t Look Back in Anger
• Radiohead – Karma Police, No Surprises
• Oasis – Wonderwall (by request)
2000s / 90s Singalong Hits:
• Hey There Delilah – Plain White T’s
• Chasing Cars – Snow Patrol
• Accidentally in Love – Counting Crows
• Somewhere Only We Know – Keane
• Torn – Natalie Imbruglia
• Fast Car – Tracy Chapman
• Just a Girl – No Doubt
• Fat Lip – Sum 41
• Small Things – Blink-182
• The Middle – Jimmy Eat World
• Back to Black – Amy Winehouse
• Crazy – Gnarls Barkley
• Build Me Up Buttercup – The Foundations
Soulful & Indie Favorites:
• Dancing in the Moonlight – King Harvest
• Take It Easy – Eagles
• How Deep Is Your Love – Bee Gees
• I Want You Back – Jackson 5
• Back to Black – Amy Winehouse
• Karma Police – Radiohead
• Hand in My Pocket – Alanis Morissette
Jazz & Standards
• What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
• Fly Me to the Moon – Frank Sinatra
• Moon River – Henry Mancini
• Cheek to Cheek – Irving Berlin
• Autumn Leaves
• Misty
• Blue Moon
• My Funny Valentine
• L-O-V-E
• Dream a Little Dream of Me
• It Had to Be You
I’m inspired by the warmth and emotion of Yo-Yo Ma, the passion of Jacqueline du Pré, and the creativity of groups like the Kronos Quartet. I also draw from the storytelling of the Beatles and today’s songwriters, which helps me bring both timeless elegance and a modern, personal touch to each performance.
Chair
Cellist
