Soul Strings Music

What to Expect from My Performances
Attending one of my performances means being immersed in the enchanting sound of the cello, creating an atmosphere of elegance and emotion. Whether performing solo, with Gentle Tides Trio, or as a cello & piano duo, I bring professionalism, passion, and a carefully curated repertoire spanning classical, jazz, bossa nova, and modern hits. My goal is to evoke deep emotions and leave a lasting impression on all guests.

What You Get When You Hire Me
✔ Personalized Service – Tailored music packages for weddings, corporate events, and private gatherings.
✔ Effortless Experience – We handle the details, ensuring a stress-free, seamless performance.
✔ Professionalism – Reliable, punctual, and experienced in event planning for flawless execution.
✔ Versatility – A diverse repertoire with the option to request special songs to match your vision.
✔ Commitment to Quality – High-caliber musicianship and top-tier equipment for a rich, immersive sound.

From the first guest’s arrival to the final note of the evening, I ensure your event is elevated with the timeless beauty of live music. Let’s create something truly special!

Gentle Tides Trio & Cello Solo | Elegant Live Music

About Us
Gentle Tides is a bossa nova & lounge music trio featuring cello, guitar, and bass with vocals. Our unique blend of bossa nova classics, smooth jazz arrangements, and timeless hits creates an intimate, refined atmosphere, perfect for weddings, private events, and upscale venues. With full-house performances, we bring elegance, warmth, and a seamless musical experience to every event.

For a timeless solo performance, cellist Anna Shabalina offers a repertoire spanning classical, film scores, and modern covers, ideal for ceremonies, cocktail hours, and art events. Also available: Cello & Piano Classical Duo for a refined touch.

Our Bossa Nova Trio was born from friendship, shared musical roots, and a love for blending traditions. What started as casual jam sessions by the campfire evolved into a project that brings together our diverse musical experiences, creating a unique and warm sound.

Though we all come from the same cultural background, our paths in music have been distinct.

🎻 Anna Shabalina (Cello, Vocals) – With classical training from renowned cellists and institutions, Anna Shabalina built a strong foundation in music. Yet, her artistic curiosity led her beyond the classical world—exploring jazz, folk, and world music. This broad musical perspective naturally led her to bossa nova, a genre where elegance meets effortless groove. You can learn more about Anna’s journey here.

🎸 Linar Rizatdin (Bass) – A versatile bassist and composer, Linar’s career began in the orchestra of a drama theatre. From there, he joined a folk-rock group, where his passion for ethnic music took root. He later founded a Tatar music project, reviving and modernizing traditional melodies by blending ancient sounds with contemporary techniques. Over the years, he has performed with African, Indian, and jazz ensembles, enriching his sound with global influences. He also formed the NaMaNa Duo alongside Anna, exploring even more musical landscapes.

🎤 Alex Maizlish (Guitar, Vocals) – With deep experience in a cappella groups and choirs, Alex’s musical foundation started with voice. Learning both guitar and piano, he developed a versatile style that allowed him to perform worldwide, embracing different traditions and genres along the way. His voice and rhythmic sensibility add a distinctive charm to our trio.

Together, we blend our instruments and voices into a sound that is light, soulful, and effortlessly warm—perfect for events that call for a relaxed yet refined atmosphere. Whether performing bossa nova classics, jazz ballads, or intimate acoustic arrangements, our music invites you to slow down and enjoy the moment.
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Why Choose Us?
✔️ Professional, internationally experienced musicians
✔️ Custom setlists tailored to your event
✔️ Seamless, high-quality live performances

📍 Serving Halifax & beyond | Available for travel

Technical Requirements for a Smooth Performance

To ensure a seamless experience, our equipment needs vary based on the ensemble choice and guest count. We always discuss and tailor the setup directly with each client, depending on their specific event needs and unique situation.

Weather Protection for Outdoor Events
- A shaded or covered area to protect musicians and instruments from sun, rain, or extreme weather.

General Setup Needs
- Performance Space: A clear, level area with adequate lighting.
- Seating: Armless chairs for musicians.
- Power Supply (if needed): A standard 110V outlet within 25 feet for digital instruments or amplification.

Additional Equipment Considerations
- Sound Amplification: For larger events, we may need extra sound support or a technician.
- Piano Setup: We provide a digital piano but can use an acoustic piano if available.

Additional Notes
- Setup Time: 30-60 minutes.
- Breaks: Short breaks for performances over 1.5 hours.
- Meals & Drinks: Appreciated for events longer than 3 hours.

We’re here to work with you to make sure everything is perfectly tailored for your event. Let’s discuss the details!