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Haparandaweg 788A
Amsterdam, Houthavens, NL
(visit only on appointment)
Pop String Quartet
The other day, someone called us a ‘pop string quartet’. That is quite right; we are the only ones in the Netherlands and Belgium with so much pop music in our repertoire. Especially the songs from the Netflix hit series Bridgerton!
I would love to hear your ideas and wishes for our contribution to your wedding day, your ceremony and cocktail hour. From Bach to Bridgerton; from the famous Canon from Pachelbel to Material girl by Madonna and Shallow by Lady Gaga: we play it all and if we do not have it? Then I will buy the sheet music or will have it arranged for you! For we will pick up two request songs per ceremony. That’s why our repertoire is dozens more titles bigger after each wedding season 🙂 !
Request a no-obligation quote via the button below. I almost always respond within a few hours. A direct email to info@hetstrijkkwartet.nl is of course also possible. In that case, please provide information such as the date, number of guests, venue or region where to be played, travel expenses and duration.
Frequently asked questions
How often do you play during a ceremony?
The bride and groom decide that. Usually during the entrance, signing and walking away, but they also regularly ask for an extra intermezzo. What would you prefer?
Do you have a repertoire list?
Yes, we do; we have lists of our (recognizably) classical pieces and the jazz/pop songs. What works well is that you select 15 favorites from them by giving them a color, for example, and then send the list back to me. That way we can see what your tastes are.
How many pieces/songs do you play during background sets?
That’s hard to say; some pieces/songs last longer than others. When we play background, we usually play sets of 40 minutes, between which we plan a 10-minute break. Should sets of a different length fit better into the programme, we anticipate. Will there be speeches? Close briefly with us beforehand; we plan our breaks at that moment if possible.
Do you play acoustic?
Yes, we play most of the time and preferably acoustically. Amplification is an art in itself; it is possible but often done too loudly. Would you like us to amplify anyway? Of course, we will work on this, but we don’t have the equipment to do so.
Do you always play with the same musicians?
Quartet playing is teamwork. Because my colleagues also have orchestra shifts, there are permanent substitutes for all the players. These ladies are superb string quartet players. So, a booking can always go ahead, even in case of illness.
Can you also change position?
Yes, that is very easy. It just takes some time. It works best if the next place to play also has 4 chairs without armrests.
Can you play outside?
Definitely! However, we do need a place in the shade to read the tablets and protect the instrument lacquer, and when it rains, we need to be absolutely protected/sheltered from the rain.
Temperatures below 19 degrees affect the intonation of the violinists.
How long in advance will The Belgian String Quartet be present?
We are present 60 minutes before we start playing. Setting up takes us little time. It helps if there are already 4 chairs without armrests by then to see if we are positioned so that we can bow properly.
What do you need for this booking?
- A room for dressing up
- 4 chairs without armrests
- Sufficient space for ironing.
- If we are playing during a dinner; please do not place us too close to the guests.
- If it is possible to have a breadroll upon arrival or snack or sandwich during a break, that is very welcome.
How often do you play during a ceremony?
The bride and groom decide that. Usually during the entrance, signing and walking away, but they also regularly ask for an extra moment of listening. What do you like?
Do you have a repertoire list?
Yes, we do; we have lists of our (recognizably) classical pieces and the jazz/pop songs. What works well is that you select 15 favorites from them by giving them a color, for example, and then send the list back to me. That way we can see what your tastes are.
How many pieces/songs do you play during background sets?
That’s hard to say; some pieces/songs last longer than others. When we play background, we usually play sets of 40 minutes, between which we plan a 10-minute break. Should sets of a different length fit better into the programme, we anticipate. Will there be speeches? Close briefly with us beforehand; we plan our breaks at that moment if possible.
Do you play acoustic?
Yes, we play most of the time and preferably acoustically. Amplification is an art in itself; it is possible but often done too loudly. Would you like us to amplify anyway? Of course, we will work on this, but we don’t have the equipment to do so.
Do you always play with the same musicians?
Quartet playing is teamwork. Because my colleagues also have orchestra shifts, there are permanent substitutes for all the players. So, a booking can always go ahead, even in case of illness.
Can you also move around?
Yes, that is very easy. It just takes some time. It works best if the next place to play also has 4 chairs without armrests.
Can you play outside?
Definitely! However, we do need a place in the shade to read the tablets and protect the instrument lacquer, and when it rains, we need to be absolutely protected/sheltered from the rain.
Temperatures below 19 degrees affect the intonation of the violinists.
How long in advance will The Belgian String Quartet be present?
We are present 45 minutes before curtain-up. Setting up takes us little time. It helps if there are already 4 chairs without armrests by then to see if we are positioned so that we can bow properly.
What do you need for this booking?
- A room for dressing up
- 4 chairs without armrests
- Sufficient space for ironing.
- If we are playing during a dinner; please do not place us too close to the guests.
- If it is possible to have a snack or sandwich during a break, that is very welcome.
When you book The Belgian String Quartet, one of our ladies will be happy to meet with you online to discuss our contribution to your day. In this conversation, we will ask you questions you may not have asked yourself. All important facts for the best possible booking for your big day.
Rates
We apply – depending on the size of the ensemble – and location a starting rate that offers up to three hours of attendance from € 2.000,00, incl. 9% VAT for weddings. Corporate fees start at € 2.000,00 excl. VAT. Of course, you can also book us for longer then three hours. If you book us for less than three hours, we still charge the starting rate.
Why do we hold on to three hours as a starting rate? That often includes the entrance of the guests, -the prelude-, the processional, and wedding ceremony and then background music during the reception, cocktail hour. Of course, another scenario is possible; I’d love to hear about it :-).
Happy customers
“From the very first meeting, there was an immediate sense of trust, even though we were initially unfamiliar with arranging a string quartet. Together, we discussed the atmosphere of the...
“The string quartet made our wedding reception truly special. Every member is extremely talented. The atmosphere they created was wonderful. We had specifically asked for certain songs (music we love and...
“We booked Scarlett and her colleagues for our event venue Belmont Events on a regular basis. They are always very punctual, and their music truly adds something special. They are professional...
“We thoroughly enjoyed the music of the string quartet at our wedding! Scarlett and the other ladies are extremely talented, professional and very easy to communicate with. We had already seen the...
“It was fantastic to have the string quartet with us from the very beginning of our wedding planning. They gave us advice on how we could structure the music for both the ceremony...