Alerion Strings

Alerion Strings: Professional String Quartet for Weddings and Events in the UK

Alerion Strings is a professional string ensemble based in the UK that performs at weddings, corporate events, recordings, and concerts. With over 18 years of experience, the group presents itself as a collective of musicians from leading orchestras and ensembles across the country. Their repertoire spans more than 650 pieces, from classical music to pop and rock, and the group adapts to different formats depending on the type of celebration.

Services for Celebrations and Corporate Events

Their main activity focuses on live music for events. For weddings, the ensemble performs classical or contemporary pieces tailored to the style of the ceremony and reception. For corporate events such as product launches, gala dinners, or company celebrations, they offer a repertoire designed to set the mood. They also undertake studio recordings and collaborations with other musicians, as well as concerts.

Flexible Line-ups: Trio, Quartet, and Extended Ensemble

The group is not limited to the string quartet. Depending on the size of the event and the space available, you can book a string trio (violin, viola, and cello), a quartet (two violins, viola, and cello), or a larger ensemble. For intimate occasions, the trio is a more economical and suitable option, while for large celebrations the quartet or an extended line-up is recommended. Additionally, piano, harp, or flute can be added to the base instrumentation.

Repertoire and Customisation

The repertoire includes more than 650 works, covering everything from classical pieces to current hits, as well as jazz standards. Every wedding booking includes two custom transcriptions at no extra cost, allowing you to incorporate special songs that are not on the usual list. The company also accepts requests for custom music for other types of events.

Team and Background

The founder and creative director, John, is a violist and violinist. Born in Lincolnshire, he began playing the violin at the age of eight and switched to the viola at twenty-one. He studied at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), where he trained under violists such as Rose Redgrave, Vicci Wardman, Robin Ireland, and Susie Mészáros. He has performed with ensembles including the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, the Hallé, the London Mozart Players, Opera North, the Manchester Camerata, the Manchester Concert Orchestra, and the London Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as participating in festivals and BBC Radio 3 broadcasts. He has experience in professional recording and plays an Andrea Guarneri-model viola made in 2016 by Andrew Sutherland.

Rebecca, a violist and violinist, comes from Marsden in West Yorkshire. She is an experienced orchestral player who regularly works with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, the Hallé, the Manchester Camerata, and Opera North. She completed her master's degree at the Royal Northern College of Music, where she studied with Vicci Wardman, Alex Mitchell, and Susie Mészáros, and received the RNCM award.

Booking and Pricing

The company prepares custom quotes for each wedding or event. Rates are calculated per hour, plus travel expenses. The website indicated that prices start from £695 (VAT included) for the string trio and £810 (VAT included) for the quartet. Interest-free payment plans are offered, and major credit and debit cards are accepted. Bookings can be made up to two years in advance, and it is recommended to book as early as possible. Performance duration varies from one hour for a ceremony to several hours for a cocktail reception, and even multiple days for extended events.

Coverage and Insurance

Alerion Strings performs at weddings and events throughout the UK and also abroad. The company holds public liability insurance of up to £10 million and works with contracts for each performance.

Location and Contact

Phone: 0161 414 0244 · Email: enquiries@alerionstrings.co.uk