I'm a Grammy winning, classically trained cellist whose musical focus is generating connection. Cello is a wonderful conduit- warm and elegant. I’ve played professionally in NYC for 20 years and I've been playing for ceremonies and events since I was a student at the SF Conservatory of Music. When you book me, you can expect: Clear communication and attention to detail, Unlimited music consultation, A professional and well executed performance, A positive attitude and attractive appearance and I'll arrive 60 minutes prior to the start of the event so we can all have a relaxed experience!
I booked Leah for my wife's birthday party and she was great. The event date ended up being postponed and Leah was able to accommodate the new date. She played a great selection of music and added some songs and the kids and my wife got to try playing the cello at the end. We all really appreciated Leah and her music.
From planning ease to communication and the final gift of timeless beauty to make our ceremony unforgettable- Leah was amazing
Leah played cello at our Uncle's graveside funeral. She played beautifully and helped make the celebration as we had hoped. She is reliable, considerate, and pleasant
Picking Leah was the best decision I could have made when selecting a cellist for my surprise engagement! She was super easy to work with, flexible, insightful, and a highly talented cellist! She gave me advice on the different locations for the proposal, which would have great views and most likely not be too busy with people, as well as song recommendations. She was very easy to communicate with, was very clear, and on the day arrived early, coordinated with my family and was fully prepared for when the time came! I highly recommend her!
Leah was wonderful for our outdoor wedding ceremony. She played beautifully, was professional, prompt, and great with our guests. She was able to play every song we asked for and even stayed a little extra while we took pictures after the ceremony. Everything we were looking for, I honestly wish I had another occasion to hire a cellist for so we could hire her again!
We couldn’t have had a more perfect tea party without Leah. She created the most relaxing atmosphere which was perfect for this tea party. Leah is very pleasant,professional and personable. She made my day perfect.
Leah was amazing! From the first response to the day of the event. My wife and I renewed our vows after 10 years of marriage and what better then to have a professional such as Leah to help capture the essence of our moment! She was patient, kind, easy to work with, knowledgeable and just fantastic! I would highly recommend Leah for any event where her services are wanted and needed. Thanks again Leah, you really helped bring it all together!
Response from Leah Coloff, solo cello:
George! Thank you so much for having me play and for such wonderful feedback. It was a pleasure to play and witness such a beautiful commitment to love.
We hired Leah to come out to Long Island and play for my Mom's funeral. What a catch !!! She communicated very well from the first day we "matched" up to and including the day of the funeral. A true professional. What a lovely person and a very talented cellist. We LOVED it !!!!!!!!
Response from Leah Coloff, solo cello:
Thank you so much Gregg! It was an honor to play for your Mm’s funeral and a pleasure to meet you and your family and the community.
I booked Leah as a surprise for my bride, who loves the Cello. We wanted an intimate ceremony and only had immediate family with a few other close family friends in attendance. From the interaction before the booking, to the communication leading up to the wedding, to the day itself, Leah was a total professional. Easy to work with, down to earth, understanding of what was needed, and SHE PLAYED BEAUTIFULLY. My bride absolutely loved it, and others in attendance mentioned how they might hire a cellist for their functions/parties going forward. Would work with Leah again in a heartbeat. Highly recommended.
Response from Leah Coloff, solo cello:
Thank you so much, Gerrard! It was such a pleasure to be a part of your wedding. And thank you for being such a gracious host!
I hired Leah as a surprise one year anniversary gift to my husband. The moment was so precious and the music was so lovely. Leah was punctual in communication but not pushy when I was slow to make decisions. We coordinated very well and I can’t say enough about the song choices that Leah, classical and elegant!
Response from Leah Coloff, solo cello:
Thank you so much Athena! What a beautiful moment playing Central Park Park by the lake with the blue sky, the sun and the ducks! It was so special to be a part of bringing your anniversary gift to life!
Price Range: $300 and up
Languages: English
Unions: AFM
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.
New York City, NY 
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