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Leah Coloff, solo cello
- Brooklyn, NY
- Cellist
- Travels up to 120 miles
- $300 and up
Overview
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!
4 Reviews
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!
Classical Ensemble, Cellist
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 !!!!!!!!
Cellist
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.
Cellist
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!
Cellist
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!
Booking Info
What to Expect
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!
About
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:
http://Weddingcello.com
htt://Leahcoloff.com
Additional Booking Notes
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.
Services Offered
Upcoming Booked Events
April 20, 2024 • 12:30pm - 4:30pm | Personal Occasion |
June 07, 2024 • 10:30am - 11:30am | Wedding Ceremony |
Past Booked Events
November 11, 2023 • 3:30pm - 7:30pm | Wedding Reception |
August 19, 2023 • 4:00pm - 4:30pm | Personal Occasion |
July 17, 2023 • 3:00pm - 4:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
June 04, 2023 • 1:00pm - 3:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
May 13, 2023 • 2:00pm - 3:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
November 13, 2022 • 3:00pm - 3:45pm | Surprise |
Set List
Repertoire
This list is only a sample of the wide variety of music that may be appropriate for your special occasion. I will help you to find just the right music!
TRADITIONAL/CLASSICAL
Suite No. 1 in G Major for unaccompanied Cello (Bach)
Suite No. 3 in C Major for unaccompanied Cello (Bach)
Ave Maria adapted by Gounod (Bach)
Sheep May Safely Graze from Cantata No.208 (Bach)
Jesus, Joy Of Man's Desiring (Bach)
Air From Suite No.3 in G Major (Bach)
Arioso from Cantata 156 (Bach)
Air in F from The Water Music (Handel)
Allegro From The Water Music (Handel)
La Rejouissance from The Royal Fireworks (Handel)
Largo from Xerxes (Handel)
Hornpipe in D from The Water Music (Handel)
Trumpet Voluntary in D (Clarke)
Wedding March (Mendelssohn)
Bridal Chorus from Lohengrin (Wagner)
Canon in D (Pachelbel)
Ave Maria (Schubert)
The Swan from Carnival Of The Animals (Saint-Saens)
Melodie (Massenet)
Elegy from "The Erynnies" (Massenet)
Minuet No.2 in G (Beethoven)
Minuet from Divertimento in D K334 (Mozart)
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (Mozart)
Rondeau from Sinfonies de Fanfares (Mouret)
Nina (Pergolese)
Panis Angelicus (Frank)
Sicilienne (Faure)
Elegy Op. 24 (Faure)
Apres En Reve (Faure)
Estralita (Ponce)
Romance (Debussy)
Gymnopedie 1,2,3 (Satie)
Gnoissienne No. 5. (Satie)
POP/CONTEMPORARY
All of Me (John Legend)
Perfect (Ed Sheeran)
A Thousand Years (Christina Perry)
Viva La Vida (Coldplay)
Beautiful Day (U2)
You Are The Sunshine Of My Life (Stevie Wonder)
Love Song (The Cure)
Love Story (Taylor Swift)
Do you Realize (The Flaming Lips)
Heartbeats (José González)
Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen)
Believer (Imagine Dragons)
Havana (Camila Cabello)
Across The Universe (Beatles)
All you Need Is Love (Beatles)
Here There And Everywhere (Beatles)
Because (Beatles)
All My Loving (Beatles)
And I Love Her (Beatles)
I Want to Hold Your Hand (Beatles)
I Will (Beatles)
Good Day Sunshine (Beatles)
I'll Follow The Sun (Beatles)
In My Life (Beatles)
The Look Of Love (Bacharach)
They Long To Be Close To You (Bacharach)
Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic (The Police)
This Must Be The Place (Talking Heads)
Endless Love (Diana Ross and Lionel Richie)
AMERICAN SONGBOOK/ STANDARDS
Always (Berlin)
It Had To Be You (Jones)
I've Got The World On A String (Arlen)
Over The Rainbow (Harold Arlen)
Manhattan Serenade (Adamson, Alter)
Isn't It Romantic (Miller)
Moon River (Henry Mancini)
Our Love Is Here To Stay (Gershwin)
Embraceable You (Gershwin)
Rose Room (Williams, Hickman)
Blue Moon (Rogers & Hart)
Come Rain Or Come Shine (Arlen)
Fly Me To The Moon (Howard)
Honeysuckle Rose (Fats Waller)
Stairway To The Stars (Parish/Malneck/Signorelli)
Can’t Help Falling In Love (Weiss)
La Vie En Rose (Edith Piaf)
‘Til There Was You (Meredith Wilson)
How High The Moon (Mary Ford)
My Blue Heaven (Donaldson/Whiting)
My Funny Valentine (Rodgers/Hart)
At Last (Gordon/Warren)
Wonderful World (Sam Cooke)
What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong)
Setup Requirements
I usually just need a straight back chair without arms. If the ceremony is outside I will need a covering if there is bright sun or rain. classical instruments are delicate! :)
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