- Buffalo Grove, IL
- Violinist
- $195 and up
Cristina K. said
“Vicki performed at my dads memorial service she did a great job. Showed on time and played the songs I selected. ”
Evanston Strings, Elegant & Professional Live Music
Can't Help Falling In Love by Elvis (Evanston Strings- Quartet)
Wildest Dreams (string trio)
Perfect by Ed Sheeran (Evanston Strings- Duet)
Marry You (solo violin)
Dreams by Fleetwood Mac (String Quartet)
Evanston Strings Quartet
Evanston Strings at a wedding 2023
Evanston Strings Duo
Performing on NPR
Evanston Strings trio
Evanston Strings Quartet at a Grand Opening Party in 2025
Overview
Hi! Evanston Strings is a collection of string ensembles serving the Chicagoland area. From solo violin to trio or string quartet, we bring elegance & professional to any event. Founded by violinist Mari De Napoli while a Northwestern Masters student, we perform a multitude of genres & have played over 350 events- weddings, corporate engagements, recitals, church services, stadium music concerts, touring shows, proposals, birthdays, and more!
We make the booking process seamless by sending an extensive repertoire list of classical/pop, offering zoom meetings confirm details, and showing up early. We genuinely love bringing your vision to life and adding a special, unique touch to your event.
Reviews
21 reviews
Kelly G.
November 25, 2025Outstanding!!!!
Evanston Strings, especially Mari and her team, were absolutely AMAZING. They were incredibly easy, professional, and an absolute joy to work with from start to finish. We chose a violin and cello duo for our ceremony and cocktail hour, and it was one of the best decisions we made for our wedding.
Their music added the most beautiful, romantic, and elevated touch to the entire day. They sounded stunning, truly flawless, and created the exact atmosphere I had always pictured. During the ceremony, their performance was so moving it actually brought tears to my eyes.
They executed everything perfectly, without a single worry or detail left hanging. I can’t recommend Evanston Strings enough. If you’re considering live strings for your wedding, stop thinking and just book them, they are a 10/10 in every way.
Hired as: Violinist
Henry R.
September 13, 2025Fantastic Music and Extremely Professional
I had an amazing experience with Evanston Strings. Mari made the entire process very easy, and she was very communicative throughout the planning process. On the day of the performance, everything went perfectly, and she sounded amazing!
Hired as: Violinist
Gabriel Z.
August 31, 2025The Best!
We booked a string trio to play at our wedding and through and through they were fantastic. Not just the performance but their demeanor and positivity on a hot (as hell) day outside, the organization and communication during planning - Everything! We had an unfortunate last minute change in venue and they were totally flexible. We provided a handful of must play songs including one that was not currently on their list (yes, they will play Pink Pony Club and it's awesome!) but they were able to fill the remainder of the space with audience and ambiance appropriate music. Again, the wedding was outdoors and of course we let them set inside but they really toughed it out on a high 80s afternoon in July. And because it matters at the end of the day, especially when planning a wedding, without a doubt we felt that the quality of performance and professionalism was superb for their rate. And its great to know you are supporting local musicians! Would hire again without question. We cannot compliment Mari and her team enough!
Hired as: String Quartet
Craig N.
March 20, 2025Virtuoso Performances, Spectacular!
On October 27, 2024, we had the privilege of having two artists from Evanston Strings perform duets at a birthday celebration. We have only the highest praise for them, but I want to give our observation some perspective. Pinchus Zuckerman was interviewed shortly after he took the baton as conductor and music director of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, and said what had inspired him about the players was their attitude, conscientiousness and willingness to play in ways they had not before. Those words apply equally to the two accomplished artists we had from Evanston Strings, Mari De Napoli and Kristina Zlatareva, and I would add to those descriptors, consummate mastery and flexibility. Mari is the founder and lead violinist of Evanston Strings, and Kristina is a violin and viola faculty member of Northwestern’s Music Academy and performer on the international stage.
We were late in getting our selections to them, because, unknowing to us, our email with our proposed list had been stuck in our outbox. When I finally discovered that, and sent it on to Mari, it was two days before the event. Mari responded with the calm of a true professional, researching all of the music and saying confidently that there would be no problem at all.
I gave them impossible tasks in my email which arrived at Mari’s inbox so late. Here’s an example from the list of pieces and instructions:
“5:45 -6:30 while everyone is gathering ‘La Musica Notturna di Madrid,’ Boccherini, a two-minute segment, beginning 5 minutes in, with pizzicato; I realize some of this was written for multiple strings [String quintet in C major G324] but if you could do this as a duet, please do; if not, I understand” [!] Mari and Kristina transcribed it and played it flawlessly, without knowing the piece previously. There were several pieces like this, where, I’m sure, they had to rely on perfect sight-reading. These are true virtuosos, the type Pinchus Zuckerman was referring to and, likely would have felt at home playing with. And these two from Evanston Strings were not limited to classical. They played a wide variety of popular music at the event.
Last, they are true professionals. They arrived with time to set up, began on time and played per the schedule throughout the evening, with certain selections to be played at specific times.
We are so pleased with them, we will use Evanston Strings again and again for future events. We recommend them highly.
Craig N
Chicago
Hired as: Classical Duo, Viola Player, Violinist
Evanston Strings, Elegant & Professional Live Music
Wow thank you for these kind words and high praise, Craig. It was our joy to play at your celebration. Hope to work with you again!
Ryan K.
December 12, 2024Most amazing performance ever!!
I highly recommend! This was the best performance ever!
Hired as: Violinist
Evanston Strings, Elegant & Professional Live Music
Thanks, Ryan! Congrats on your engagement!
Booking information
Price range: $450 and up
Languages: English
Gig length: 30 - 300 minutes
Insurance: $1,000,000 - We hold insurance and can provide a COI if needed
What to expect
Music has the ability to take an already special event to the next level. I know the importance of creating a mood, atmosphere, and a perfect moment because music plays an essential role in making memories and bringing your event to life. You will have a polished and professional performance either as a soloist or as part of an ensemble.
I pride myself on communicating effectively with clients to make sure they are completely satisfied with my performance. I am always happy to work with you on music selections, and other details event details. I promise to be on time, professional, and passionate.
About
Evanston Strings was founded in 2023 when violinist Mari De Napoli was working towards her Masters degree at Northwestern. Having played hundreds of weddings solo and with ensembles in the Los Angeles and Chicago area, she thought, "why not make it official and start a live strings service for luxury events?". Evanston Strings started off with just solo violin but has grown to every iteration of string ensemble you can think of (duets, trios, quartets, even small orchestras for weddings). We can play anything from pop to classical to traditional Indian or Jewish music. Working together with clients to create the perfect playlist and unforgettable moments is Evanston's bread and butter.
Our roster of musicians include professional harpists, pianists, cellists, violinists, violists, and more; everyone has at least 2 professional degrees, over 20 years experience and robust performing careers. We have performed with artists such as Laufey, Common, Jack Black, Stevie Wonder, and Smokey Robinson. Our artists have performed in iconic places like Carnegie Hall and Millennium Park, but also shine in any setting for a proposal or wedding at the beach. We’re able to perform the classics of Mozart to Michael Bublé, Bridgerton favorites, Bollywood wedding classics, and more.
From a dynamic solo violinist to a classic string quartet, Evanston Strings will help curate the perfect musical performance to dazzle your guests and fit your personal taste. Each event promises an attentive coordinator with unlimited meetings to go over aesthetics, playlists, and all logistics.
Additional booking notes
If performing outside, we require cover for protection from direct sunlight or precipitation, as both are harmful for string instruments. We'll perform in chic, black clothing. If you prefer something else we're happy to accommodate.
Also, unless otherwise specified, we perform as a solo artist without amplification or backing tracks etc. but we are always open to discussing options for your vision and event.
Services offered
Upcoming booked events
July 2026
11
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
5:30pm - 6:30pm
•
Lemont, IL
Past booked events
October 2025
31
Friday
Wedding Ceremony
2:30pm - 3:30pm
•
Chicago, IL
August 2025
23
Saturday
Wedding Engagement
6:00pm - 6:30pm
•
Chicago, IL
July 2025
25
Friday
Wedding Ceremony
2:00pm - 4:30pm
•
Barrington, IL
May 2025
03
Saturday
House Party
7:00pm - 7:45pm
•
West Chicago, IL
February 2025
14
Friday
Personal Occasion
4:30pm - 5:30pm
•
Evanston, IL
01
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
4:30pm - 6:00pm
December 2024
11
Wednesday
Wedding Cocktail Hour
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Lemont, IL
October 2024
05
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
3:30pm - 4:30pm
•
River Forest, IL
September 2024
06
Friday
Wedding Ceremony
4:00pm - 5:30pm
•
Chicago, IL
August 2024
25
Sunday
Baby Shower
11:00am - 12:30pm
•
Itasca, IL
17
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
4:30pm - 6:00pm
04
Sunday
Baby Shower
11:30am - 1:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
July 2024
27
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
7:30pm - 8:30pm
•
Chicago, IL
20
Saturday
Wedding Engagement
6:00pm - 6:30pm
•
Chicago, IL
13
Saturday
Cocktail Hour
4:30pm - 7:00pm
06
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony + Cocktail Hour
6:00pm - 8:30pm
June 2024
26
Wednesday
Corporate Event
6:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
22
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
4:30pm - 6:00pm
09
Sunday
Cocktail Hour
4:30pm - 7:00pm
May 2024
19
Sunday
Birthday Party
4:00pm - 5:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
16
Thursday
Cocktail Hour
4:30pm - 7:00pm
05
Sunday
Kellogg Dinner
6:00pm - 7:30pm
April 2024
21
Sunday
Wedding
4:30pm - 5:30pm
17
Wednesday
Kellogg Dinner
6:00pm - 7:30pm
07
Sunday
Sidley Dinner
6:00pm - 7:30pm
07
Sunday
Church Service
9:00am - 12:00pm
March 2024
31
Sunday
Church Service
9:00am - 12:00pm
24
Sunday
Nonprofit Event
3:00pm - 3:45pm
•
Lincolnshire, IL
24
Sunday
Church Service
9:00am - 12:00pm
10
Sunday
Chamber Music Series Spotlight
3:00pm - 5:00pm
10
Sunday
Church Service
9:00am - 12:00pm
03
Sunday
Church Service
9:00am - 12:00pm
February 2024
18
Sunday
Church Service
9:00am - 12:00pm
04
Sunday
Church Service
9:00am - 12:00pm
January 2024
21
Sunday
Church Service
9:00am - 12:00pm
07
Sunday
Church Service
9:00am - 12:00pm
December 2023
31
Sunday
Church Service
9:00am - 12:00pm
17
Sunday
Church Service
9:00am - 12:00pm
10
Sunday
Orchestra Concert
6:30pm - 9:00pm
05
Tuesday
Wedding
2:00pm - 4:00pm
03
Sunday
Church Service
9:00am - 12:00pm
November 2023
19
Sunday
Church Service
9:00am - 12:00pm
05
Sunday
Church Service
9:00am - 12:00pm
October 2023
29
Sunday
Church Service
9:00am - 12:00pm
15
Sunday
Church Service
9:00am - 12:00pm
01
Sunday
Church Service
9:00am - 12:00pm
September 2023
30
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
5:30pm - 6:30pm
17
Sunday
Church Service
9:00am - 12:00pm
03
Sunday
Church Service
9:00am - 12:00pm
August 2023
20
Sunday
Church Service
9:00am - 12:00pm
11
Friday
Birthday Party
7:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
06
Sunday
Church Service
9:00am - 12:00pm
April 2023
04
Tuesday
Kimberly Prize Dinner
6:00pm - 9:00pm
March 2023
25
Saturday
Chicago Historical Costume Society: La Soirée Doré
8:30pm - 10:00pm
Set list
All You Need is Love – The Beatles
Angels – Robbie Williams
At Last – Etta James
Beyond The Sea – Bobby Darin
Billie Jean – Michael Jackson
Bitter Sweet Symphony – The Verve
Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison
Can’t Help Falling In Love – Elvis Presley
Can’t Take My Eyes Off You – Franki Valli
Don’t Stop Me Now – Queen
Dreams – Fleetwood Mac
Every Breath You Take – The Police
Fields Of Gold – Eva Cassidy
Fly Me to the Moon – Frank Sinatra
Here Comes The Sun – The Beatles
I Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing – Aerosmith
I Want To Break Free – Queen
I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston
I’m Kissing You – Des’ree
In My Life – The Beatles
Isn’t She Lovely – Stevie Wonder
It Don’t Mean A Thing – Duke Ellington
It Must Be Love – Madness
La Vie En Rose – Edith Piaf
Let’s Stay Together – Al Green
Moonlight Serenade – Glenn Miller
My Baby Just Cares For Me – Nina Simone
Nothing Else Matters – Metallica
O Danny Boy – Johnny Cash
One Day Like This – Elbow
Signed Sealed Delivered – Stevie Wonder
Somebody to Love – Queen
Somewhere Over The Rainbow – Eva Cassidy
Stand By Me – Ben (link hidden)ng
Sweet Child of Mine – Guns n Roses
Time Of Your Life – Green Day
Valerie – Amy Winehouse
What A Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
When I Fall In Love – Nat King Cole
With A Little Help From My Friends – The Beatles
Yesterday – The Beatles
You & Me – Wannadies
You Raise Me Up – Westlife
A Thousand Years –Christina Perri
All I Want is You – U2
All Of You – John Legend
Beautiful Day ¬– U2
Best Day of my Life – American Authors
Bittersweet Symphony – The Verve
Bless the Broken Road – Rascal Flatts
Clocks ¬– Coldplay
Crazy in Love – Beyoncé
Dance Monkey – Tones & I
Despacito – Justin Bieber
Don’t Stop Believing ¬¬– Journey
Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing – Aerosmith
Eleanor Rigby – Lennon/McCartney
Empire State Of Mind – Alicia Keys
Get Lucky – Daft Punk feat. Pharrell Williams
Grow Old With You – Sandler
Halo – Beyoncé
Happy – Pharrell
Happy – Pharrell Williams
Hey Ya! – Outkast
I Will Wait – Mumford & Sons
I Won’t Give Up – Jason Mraz
I’m Yours – Jason Mraz
Love Story – Taylor Swift
Love Yourself – Justin Bieber
Make You Feel My Love – Adele
Marry You – Bruno Mars
Mr Brightside – The Killers
Paradise – Coldplay
Perfect – Ed Sheeran
Photograph – Ed Sheeran
Poker Face – Lady Gaga
Rather Be – Clean Bandit
Senorita – Camila Cabello
Shallow, A Star is Born – Lady Gaga
Shape of You – Ed Sheeran
Shut Up and Dance – Walk the Moon
Someone You Loved – Lewis Capaldi
Starlight – Muse
Summer – Calvin Harris
That’s What Makes you Beautiful ¬– One Direction
Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran
Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran
Titanium – David Guetta
Treasure – Bruno Mars
Uptown Funk – Mark Ronson
Viva La Vida – Coldplay
We Are Family – Sister Sledge
We Found Love – Rihanna
What Makes You Beautiful – One Direction
Wildest Dreams – Taylor Swift
You are the Reason – Calum Scott
Set Fire to the Rain - Adele
Someone Like You - Adele
Turning Tables - Adele
A Whole New World from Aladdin - Alan Menken
Tale As Old As Time from Beauty and The Beast - Alan Menken
Let's Stay Together - Al Green
So This Is Love from Cinderella - Al Hoffman, Jerry Livingston, Mack David
If I Ain't Got You - Alicia Keys
Angel of Music from Phantom of the Opera - Andrew Lloyd Webber
Music of the Night from Phantom of the Opera - Andrew Lloyd Webber
Think of Me from Phantom of the Opera - Andrew Lloyd Webber
Into You - Ariana Grande
Moonlight - Ariana Grande
One Last Time - Ariana Grande
POV - Ariana Grande
Problem - Ariana Grande
Side to Side - Ariana Grande
Stuck with U - Ariana Grande/Justin Bieber
Levels - Avicii
Wake Me Up - Avicii
All You Need is Love - The Beatles
Blackbird - The Beatles
Ode to Joy - Beethoven
A Million Dreams from The Greatest Showman - Benj Pasek and Justin Paul
Never Enough from The Greatest Showman - Benj Pasek and Justin Paul
Eastside - Benny Blanco, Halsey, Khalid
Halo - Beyonce
Vienna - Billy Joel
The Story - Brandi Carlile
Leave the Door Open - Bruno Mars
Marry You - Bruno Mars
That's What I Like - Bruno Mars
You Are The Reason - Calum Scott
Summer - Calvin Harris
This is What You Came For - Calvin Harris feat. Rihanna
Havana - Camila Cabello feat. Young Thug
Senorita - Camila Cabello and Shawn Mendes
Por Una Cabeza - Carlos Gardel
From This Moment On - Celine Dion
My Heart Will Go On - Celine Dion
The Prayer - Celine Dion & Andrea Bocelli
Prelude from Te Deum - Charpentier
A Couple of Forevers - Chrisette Michele
A Thousand Years - Christina Perri
A Sky Full of Stars - Coldplay
Accidentally In Love - Counting Crows
Con Calma - Daddy Yankee
Best Part - Daniel Caesar feat. H.E.R.
Get You - Daniel Caesar feat. Kali Uchis
Speechless - Dan + Shay
Ants Marching - Dave Matthews Band
Clair de Lune - Debussy
Anyone - Demi Lovato
Cool for the Summer - Demi Lovato
Met Him Last Night - Demi Lovato feat. Ariana Grande
Kissing You from Romeo and Juliet - Des'ree
Break My Heart - Dua Lipa
Love Again - Dua Lipa
In My Feelings - Drake
September - Earth, Wind, & Fire
La Vie En Rose - Édith Piaf, Louiguy
Home - Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
Galway Girl - Ed Sheeran
Nancy Mulligan - Ed Sheeran
Perfect - Ed Sheeran
Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran
Dream a Little Dream of Me - Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong
Burn - Ellie Goulding
Can't Help Falling in Love - Elvis Presley
Súbeme La Radio - Enrique Iglesias
At Last - Etta James
Shake it Out - Florence and the Machine
Panis Angelicus - Franck
Blue Moon - Frank Sinatra
Fly Me to the Moon - Frank Sinatra
Can't Take My Eyes Off You - Frankie Valli
Like I Want You - Giveon
Feel Good - Gryffin & Illenium Feat. Daya
All You Need To Know - Gryffin & Slander (link hidden)lle Lehmann
Air from The Water Music - Handel
Bourree from The Water Music - Handel
Entrance of the Queen of Sheba - Handel
Hornpipe 1 from The Water Music - Handel
Hornpipe 2 from The Water Music - Handel
La Paix from The Royal Fireworks Music - Handel
Largo from Xerxes - Handel
Le Rejouissance from The Royal Fireworks Music - Handel
You're So Cool (from True Romance) - Hans Zimmer
I Loved Her First - Heartland
Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) - Hillsong United
What a Beautiful Name - Hillsong United
Trumpet Voluntary - J. Clarke
Air on the G String - J.S. Bach
Arioso - J.S. Bach
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring - J.S. Bach
Sheep May Safely Graze - J.S. Bach
Wachet Auf - J.S. Bach
Ave Maria - J.S. Bach - Gounod or Schubert
(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher- Jackie Wilson
You Make It Easy - Jason Aldean
Savage Love - Jason Derulo
Amen - John Adams
All of Me - John Legend
Imagine - John Lennon
You Raise Me Up - Josh Groban
Anyone - Justin Bieber
Peaches - Justin Bieber Feat. Giveon, Daniel Caesar
All of the Lights - Kanye West
Location - Khalid
Stay - The Kid Laroi & Justin Bieber
Dancing in the Moonlight - King Harvest
Into The Unknown (from Frozen 2) - Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez; arr. Taylor Davis
Flower Duet from Lakme - L. Delibes
The Edge of Glory - Lady Gaga
One Hand, One Heart (from West Side Story) - Leonard Bernstein
Hallelujah - Leonard Cohen
How Far I'll Go (from Moana) - Lin-Manuel Miranda
Truth Hurts - Lizzo
Despacito - Luis Fonsi
Beautiful Crazy - Luke Combs
Like a Prayer - Madonna
Hawái - Maluma
I See The Light from Tangled - Mandy Moore
Vision of Love - Mariah Carey
Let Me Love You - Mario
Memories - Maroon 5
Meditation from Thais - Massenet
10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) - Matt Redman
Wedding March - Mendelssohn
Nothing Else Matters - Metallica
All I Do Is Dream of You - Michael Buble
Midnight Sky - Miley Cyrus
Rondo - Mouret
Andante from Piano Concerto No. 21 - Mozart
Ave Verum Corpus - Mozart
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, K. 525 - Mozart
Alleluja from Exultate Jubilate - Mozart
This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) - Natalie Cole
Harvest Moon - Neil Young
Heart of Gold - Neil Young
Canon in D - Pachelbel
Still Into You - Paramore
Happy - Pharrell
Heaven - Pink Sweat$
Fireball - Pitbull
Timber - Pitbull feat. Ke$ha
Sunflower - Post Malone
Trumpet Tune - Purcell
Only Girl (In The World) - Rihanna
Stay - Rihanna feat. Mikky Ekko
Dancing on My Own - Robyn
Latch - Sam Smith
Stay With Me - Sam Smith
Truly, Madly, Deeply - Savage Garden
Kiss Me - Sixpence None The Richer
Turning Page - Sleeping at Last
Paint a Vulgar Picture - The Smiths
Galway Girl - Steve Earle
Begin Again - Taylor Swift
Cornelia Street - Taylor Swift
Wildest Dreams - Taylor Swift or Bridgerton version
Free Fallin' - Tom Petty
Dance Monkey - Tones and I
Amazing Grace - Traditional
DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love - Usher feat. Pitbull
Brown Eyed Girl - Van Morrison
Crazy Love - Van Morrison
Into the Mystic - Van Morrison
Tupelo Honey - Van Morrison
Allegro from Spring - Vivaldi
Largo from Winter - Vivaldi
Bridal Chorus - Wagner
Blinding Lights - The Weeknd
Earned It - The Weeknd
I Will Always Love You - Whitney Houston
River Flows in You - Yiruma
Influences and inspiration
My classical violin influences include Hilary Hahn, Itzhak Perlman, Ginette Neveu, and many others! Other artists I admire are The Head & The Heart, Maggie Rogers, Penny & Sparrow, Olivia Dean, DRAMA, Noah Kahan, and Yumi Zouma.
Setup requirements
Music Stand
Armless Chair
Report Evanston Strings, Elegant & Professional Live Music
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