Leah Coloff, solo cello

You have found a classically trained cellist whose musical focus is generating connection. Cello is a wonderful conduit.- It's warm, elegant and dignified.
Here's what you can expect when you book me for your wedding or event.

~ Clear communication and attention to detail.
~ Unlimited consultation for musical selection: I'm going to help you find the perfect music for your celebration or event.
~ I'll arrive 60 minutes prior to the start of the event so we can all have a relaxed experience and I can set up properly. And we can go over any last minute details.
~ A professional and well executed performance.
~ A positive attitude and attractive appearance.

For Wedding ceremonies:
~ 20 minutes of prelude music prior to processional: The tone of the cello will set the mood as your guests find their seat and wait for your ceremony to begin.
~ The wedding party’s processional: These days there are no rules! There are as many variations as there are families and weddings. And I will play for them all!
~ The bride’s processional: This is such a special moment! Again, it's whatever makes the day special for you. One wonderful wedding I played had the groom walk down the aisle with his young son and the bride walk down the aisle with her mother. Each pairing had their own special processional song.
~ Special selections during your ceremony: Is there a special song or songs that you want as part of your ceremony? It was a traditional Jewish ceremony and the bride knew she wanted Eddie Vedder’s ukulele song, “Longing To Belong” to play as she circled the groom seven times, so I created an arrangement for violin, cello and voice.
~ The recessional: Let the party begin!
~ The postlude; 5-10 minutes of music following the recessional: You gotta have a little music as people head to the reception.

I look forward to speaking with you about your special event!

Hi, this is Leah! I’m a cellist from Brooklyn, NY. I’ve been a freelance musician in New York City for over 20 years. I held the cello chair for the 2019 Oklahoma! Revival on Broadway and can be heard on the Grammy award nominated cast recording (Decca). I played for The Source (New Amsterdam), chosen as one of the best classical recordings of 2015 by The NY Times. I’ve played the great venues of NYC from Carnegie Hall to Joe's Pub, Madison Square Garden and Radio City Music Hall with artists such as Blur, Debbie Harry, David Bowie, Iggy Pop, Rufus Wainwright, Lou Reed and Phillip Glass among others. I’ve appeared on The Tonight Show and The Today Show (NBC) and recorded sessions with many artists such as Phoebe Bridgers, Ziggy Marley, Nancy Sinatra and Ben Harper. I hold a degree in cello performance from San Francisco Conservatory of Music, with graduate studies at New England Conservatory of Music.
You can find out more about me on my websites.

What if my ceremony is outside?
I am happy to play outdoors! I will need a covering of some kind to protect my instrument from the elements if it rains or is really sunny. But outside wedding ceremonies are so lovely!
What do you usually wear?
I usually wear concert black (dressy, all black), but I am happy to wear something more colorful if you prefer.
Do you require breaks?
Not during the ceremony! If I’m playing 2 or more hours, a 10 minute break every 50 minutes is standard. Playing music is hard work!
Will you attend the wedding rehearsal?
I don’t usually attend wedding rehearsals. We’ll work out the music in detail and I’m very experienced with the timing of wedding ceremonies.
Do you ever play with amplification?
I have a small amp and I’m happy to use it if the space requires.