Art-Strings Ensembles - String Quartet, String Trio, Piano Trio, String Duo or Piano Duo - what is the best fit for my event?
This is not a simple question, but we will try to answer it here ...
Quartet
String Quartet.
Without any doubt, a String Quartet is the best option among the small and up to the medium string ensembles.
Art-Strings Quartet repertoire covers a wide variety of styles - from Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" & "Canon in D" by Pachelbel through The Beatles, Michael Jackson & Bee Gees to the latest pop music hits that you can hear on the radio & TV today!
PROS: Great, (almost unlimited!) repertoire, very balanced yet powerful enough sound, and attractive elegant appearance.
The CLASSIC option for any event without compromise.
CONS: It's a four piece group, so it's not the cheapest option, but usually - "you get what you pay for"
Trio
String Trio.
We can call this ensemble combination as a "Low Budget String Quartet" option.
Although a string trio will be able to play almost everything from a String Quartet repertoire list, there will be certain limitations in repertoire choices and some compromise in sound.
Piano Trio - Great choice if you like Jazz Standards, Oldies, Broadway Show-Stoppers, Love Songs, Romantic Love Ballads etc.
The repertoire has some limitastions though, but you will get that typical "cocktail hour/reception music " flavor.
PROS: You can save some money, if the budget is tight.
CONS: Limitations in repertoire, sound is not as rich/full vs. a string quartet.
Duo
String Duo -violin/cello or
Piano Duo - violin/piano or digital piano (yes, we do have it available, free of charge) is a good choice for the smaller scale events - like a proposal, birthday party, anniversary dinner or any other more intimate events with just a few guests attending (although we have played proposals for the audience of just two peoples as a full string quartet in the past!)
PROS: You pay just a half price, comparing to hiring a string quartet.
If your budget is a real concern - this is the way to go.
CONS: Repertoire and sound limitations, in most cases will need sound amplification, in general - "low budget" feel-appearance, aspecially in case of bigger crowd.
Conclusion
As you could see above, there are quite a few different options available - and it may become very confusing sometimes.
The best approach is to discuss your event's details directly with us - we will be happy to assist you choosing the right ensemble for your special day,
and to make it unique & memorable event!
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