Here at Trevor George, we love string quartets; they’re the multi-purpose heroes of the events world and a crucial tool in any entertainment arsenal. They can provide everything from sophisticated background music to electrifying cabaret shows and always bring a timeless elegance to an event.
Though the string quartet will always hold a special place in our entertainment-loving hearts, it’s often good to change things up at events to surprise your guests. So today we’ve put together a few smart alternatives to the string quartet that’ll delight music lovers of all stripes.
WIND TRIO
If you ask us, the trusty wind ensemble has lived in the shadow of the string quartet for too long. Offering much of the same repertoire, as well as a few surprises of their own, the gentle sound of a wind trio is a beautiful accompaniment to a dinner or drinks reception. See also: the wind trio’s not too distant cousin, the flute ensemble.
GUITAR / GUITAR DUO
We don’t need to tell you that guitars aren’t just for accompanying bellowing covers of “Wonderwall” and “Sex on Fire”, but while they’re a fixture of corporate and private parties, we’d argue that you don’t see enough classical guitar at events. Vast repertoires, minimal set-up, and a warm, full sound makes the guitar a real winner for event planners .
SAX ENSEMBLE
With a sound that’s not a million miles from the aforementioned wind trio, a sax ensemble is a great alternative to the usual classical favorites and a real talking point for guests. Repertoires can range from classical staples to jazz-inflected arrangements and even the odd pop tune, giving you versatility as well as something a little different.
HARP TRIO / QUARTET
The harp is a longstanding favourite for background music at events, offering a delicate, elegant backdrop that’s ideal for setting the mood. For something even more stirring and visually striking, it’s possible to book a harp trio or even a quartet to perform specially arranged pieces that offer a truly breathtaking sound.
BRASS QUARTET
While the idea of a brass band usually brings to mind military marches or possibly Christmas carols, there’s more versatility to the brass ensemble than you might expect. Though the repertoire may differ somewhat from that of the standard string quartet, a brass ensemble is able to provide a warm, rich sound that sets it apart from the usual classical fayre.
For more ideas on background music for corporate events and private parties, get in touch!