A string quartet is four musicians: two violins, a viola and a cello. Together they play melody, harmony and bass, so the sound is complete without drums or a band. That is why couples and event planners in Singapore book a string quartet for a wedding march in, a solemnisation, a gala dinner or a formal reception.
Price: a string duo or quartet usually costs SGD 800 to 2,500, and a string quartet for 1 to 2 hours usually costs SGD 1,200 to 2,500. A solo violinist is quoted for your date. See violinist prices in Singapore.
Where a quartet works best
Wedding ceremonies. The walk down the aisle to a quartet arrangement of your song. Soft enough for a solemnisation when played acoustic.
Hotel ballroom banquets. Many couples book a quartet for the march in, with a band or DJ for dinner and an emcee for the programme. Read more about wedding violinists.
Gala dinners and receptions. Classical, jazz and pop arrangements under the conversation, from a corner of the room or a low platform.
Product launches and corporate stages. An electric string quartet gives a short, loud and modern set for a reveal or an opening. See violinists for corporate events.
Acoustic or electric quartet
An acoustic quartet suits ceremonies, chapels, heritage venues and formal dinners, where the natural sound of the instruments is the point. An electric string quartet plays through a sound system and mixes classical with contemporary music, from Bach to The Beatles and from Vivaldi to Coldplay. It suits stages, ballrooms, gala dinners, private parties and launches.
The repertoire
Quartets play classical pieces such as Pachelbel's Canon and Vivaldi's Four Seasons, pop arrangements, film themes and your own requests. Send the songs early: a piece the quartet does not already play needs an arrangement for four parts and rehearsal time, which can add to the fee.
Space and sound
Plan a clear area or a low platform for four seated players with music stands, and chairs without arms. Acoustic quartets need no sound system in a small or medium room. In a large ballroom or outdoors, the quartet is amplified: small amplifiers can come with the musicians, or a PA system and mixing can be arranged, or the quartet plugs into the venue's AV.
Quartet, trio or duo?
A quartet suits large events and grand occasions. For a smaller room or budget, a string duo or trio gives a warm string sound with fewer players, and a solo violinist covers a single moment.
When to book
Popular quartets for September to December weekends and auspicious wedding dates are often booked six to nine months ahead. For corporate events, two to four weeks ahead is the minimum, and earlier for December and Chinese New Year. Send the date, the venue and the moments you need on WhatsApp or through the quote form.
