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Coldplay by Candlelight: A Sky Full of Stars (and Strings!)

Coldplay. The name conjures images of vibrant stadium concerts, Chris Martin’s soaring vocals, and anthems that have soundtracked a generation. But imagine experiencing their music in a completely different light – or rather, candlelight.
Candlelight concerts have become a global phenomenon, offering unique and intimate experiences with classical music. And now, they’re taking on the iconic sounds of Coldplay. Picture this: a dimly lit venue, bathed in the warm glow of hundreds of candles, as a string quartet weaves its magic through Coldplay’s most beloved hits.
We have recently been performing a selection of Coldplay hits in the Fever Candlelight Concerts. Although we are a String Quartet in Kent, we also perform as a String Quartet, String Trio or even String Duo all over London and the South East. In the recent Candlelight Concerts, we have performed as a String Quartet in Sussex, specifically in Eastbourne Old Chapel.

Why Coldplay Works So Well with Strings

At first glance, Coldplay’s stadium rock might seem an unlikely match for the delicate sounds of a string quartet. But beneath the electric guitars and drums lie beautifully crafted melodies and harmonies that lend themselves perfectly to classical interpretation.

Think about the soaring emotion of “Fix You,” the anthemic power of “Viva La Vida,” or the delicate beauty of “The Scientist.” These songs, stripped back to their core elements, reveal a timeless quality that resonates even more deeply when played on strings. The cello adds a rich, melancholic depth, while the violins soar and intertwine, creating a tapestry of sound that is both familiar and brand new.

A Unique and Intimate Experience

The candlelight setting adds another layer of magic to the experience. The flickering flames create an intimate and atmospheric ambiance, drawing the audience into the music in a way that a traditional concert setting simply can’t replicate. It’s a chance to connect with Coldplay’s music on a more personal level, hearing nuances and subtleties that might be missed in a larger venue.

What to Expect

A typical “Coldplay by Candlelight” concert will feature a selection of the band’s greatest hits, carefully arranged for string quartet. You can expect to hear classics like:

  • Yellow: The song that launched Coldplay into the stratosphere, its iconic melody sounding even more poignant on strings.
  • Clocks: The driving piano riff translated into a captivating string arrangement.
  • Paradise: The uplifting anthem transformed into a moment of pure beauty.
  • The Scientist: The heart-wrenching ballad given a new layer of emotional depth.

And many more! The exact setlist may vary depending on the specific concert, but you can be sure to hear a mix of Coldplay’s most loved songs.

More Than Just a Tribute

These concerts are more than just a tribute act. They offer a fresh perspective on Coldplay’s music, highlighting the songwriting genius that has made them one of the most popular bands in the world. Whether you’re a die-hard Coldplay fan or simply appreciate beautiful music in a unique setting, “Coldplay by Candlelight” is an experience not to be missed.

Why not get a feel for the sound of pop music on strings, by listening to some of our soundclips? We also play for many weddings and other events!

Have you experienced a candlelight concert? Are you a Coldplay fan? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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January 14th, 2025|Uncategorized|

The Soulful String Quartet: Adele’s Hits Reimagined

Adele, the powerhouse vocalist known for her soul-stirring ballads and heartfelt lyrics, has captured the hearts of millions around the world. But have you ever imagined her iconic songs performed by a string quartet, string trio or string duo? This unique arrangement brings a fresh perspective to her music, blending classical elegance with contemporary emotion.

The Magic of Strings

String quartets possess a rare ability to evoke deep emotions, mirroring the intensity of Adele’s voice. The combination of two violins, a viola, and a cello creates a rich tapestry of sound that can soar to dramatic heights or offer gentle, soothing harmonies. This instrumentation allows for intricate arrangements that highlight the nuances of Adele’s lyrics while maintaining the grandeur of her melodies.

Reimagining Iconic Tracks

Tracks like “Someone Like You,” “Rolling in the Deep,” and “Hello” come alive in a string quartet arrangement. The strings provide a lush backdrop that enhances the storytelling in Adele’s songs. For instance:

  • “Someone Like You”: The melancholic yet beautiful melodies of the violins can perfectly capture the longing and nostalgia embedded in the lyrics, creating an emotionally charged experience that resonates with the audience.
  • “Rolling in the Deep”: The driving rhythm of the cello combined with the harmonies from the violins can transform this powerful anthem into a dramatic symphony, emphasizing the song’s themes of betrayal and strength.
  • “Hello”: The somber yet hopeful undertones of this ballad can be beautifully expressed through the emotional dynamics of the string instruments, allowing listeners to experience the depth of feeling that Adele is known for.
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrEKCsb1YEc

A Perfect Blend for Events

Incorporating Premiere String Quartet to perform Adele’s songs can elevate any event—be it weddings, corporate events, or intimate gatherings. The blend of classical instrumentation with contemporary hits creates a sophisticated atmosphere that appeals to a wide range of audiences. Guests are often delighted to hear familiar melodies re-imagined in a way that is both refreshing and nostalgic.

Finding the Right Quartet

When looking for a string quartet to perform Adele’s music, it’s essential to find musicians who are not only skilled but also understand the emotional weight of her songs. We offer customized arrangements, allowing you to choose specific tracks, and you can listen to samples of our work to help you envisage how our style aligns with your vision.

Conclusion

Adele’s music, when transformed by a string quartet, offers a captivating experience that beautifully marries the worlds of pop and classical music. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Adele or a lover of string ensembles, this fusion invites listeners to experience her songs in a whole new light. So the next time you plan an event or simply want to indulge in music, consider the enchanting sounds of Adele performed by a string quartet, string trio or string duo—an experience sure to leave lasting memories.

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January 5th, 2025|About us, Ensembles, Pop Music for Strings|

Strings for a wedding in London

Last weekend we were asked to play as a String Duo for a wedding in central London. The venue was The Ned, a venue we had never played at before, but hope to go back to again! Inside the unassuming entrance it opens out into an amazing interior which was incredibly busy despite it being a Sundsay afternoon in the City. A 5 piece jazz band were playing in the centre of the enormous room while people were enjoying their Sunday buffet of oysters, lobster, roast dinners and amazing desserts!! As we were working we could only look on and think about returning socially!

We made our way to the 6th floor which was where Helen and Davids’s wedding was taking place. There were some lovely staff who were incredibly helpful, showing the String Duo for wedding ceremony and Strings for drinks reception where to set up and even moving an inconveniently placed Chez Longue so we would have enough space to play comfortably. The only music that had been specifically requested was Helen’s entrance music, Pachelbel Canon in D. She had requested that we play suitable music for a wedding ceremony before and then something suitable for the Bride and Grooms exit, before moving on to some of our modern music on strings for the drinks reception. We chose lots of our favourite pieces, some of which you can hear originals of below as well as some of our arrangements….

If you need Strings for a wedding in London, please don’t hesitate to contact us and we will do our best to help you create a beautiful atmosphere for you special day.

CONTACT US!

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April 20th, 2019|About us, Ensembles, Pop Music for Strings, Venues, Weddings|

String Duo for a wedding in Buxted Park, East Sussex

Premiere String Quartet recently returned to one of our favourite (and most local!) venues, Buxted Park in East Sussex to play as a String Duo for a Wedding Ceremony and Reception Drinks. Buxted Park is a fantastic venue in some amazing gorunds with a lovely chapel taht is sometimes used for weedding ceremonies. However often couples choose to hold their wedding ceremony inside the house as it is such a stunning venue.

As is the case with a lot of our bookings, Suzie and Tom wanted music for the arrival of their guests, music for a wedding ceremony and some music for their drinks reception before their guests moved into the wedding breakfast. Often couples leave it to us to decide the mix of music to play however the bride and groom gave us a lovely list of music to play, the reception playlist involving lots of our modern songs for strings.

Marry you by Bruno Mars
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xdyRsGOl6U

At last – by Etta James

Can’t take my eyes off of you – Frankie Valli

Girl from Ipanema- Frank Sinatra

Fields of Gold – Sting

Music of the night – Andrew Lloyd Webber

Viva La Vida- Cold Play
Crazy little thing called love – Queen
Music of the Night – Andrew Lloyd Webber
Love on Top – Beyonce
We go together- Grease
Bitter sweet symphony – The Verve
Mr Brightside – The Killers
Blue Moon – Frank Sinatra
New York New York – Frank Sinatra
All I ask of you – Andrew Lloyd Webber
Dancing Queen – Abba
Dog days are over – Florence and the Machine
Chasing cars – Snow patrol
English man from New York – Sting
Sky full of Stars – Coldplay
Clocks – Coldplay
Toxic – Britney Spears
Simply the best – Tina Turner
Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen
Time to say Goodbye – Bocelli
I dreamed a dream – Les Miserables
Billie Jean – Micheal Jackson
Think of me – Phantom of the opera
Can’t help falling in love with you – Elvis Presley
Some where only we know – Keane
Sky Fall – Adele
For once in my life – Stevie Wonder
Happy – pharrell
Nessun Dorma
Memory – Cats
Bitter Sweet Symphony – The Verve
Nothing else really Matters – Metallica
Isn’t she lovely – Stevie Wonder
All you need is love – Beatles
Buxted Park is a great venue for us as we can be inside or outside depending on the weather and as the guests had moved around to near the fountain to have some pictures taken we were able to move on to the terrace beofr emoving back inside as the weather was not the warmest and most guests enjoyed being back in the bar!
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March 22nd, 2019|Ensembles, Events, Pop Music for Strings, Venues, Weddings|

Wedding Strings in Alfriston, East Sussex

Lat weekend we returned to Alfriston to perform at our first wedding of 2019 (January is always a nice quiet time to catch up, sort out new music for strings and generally recover!). We were asked to play as a String Trio for a wedding ceremony and drinks reception.

Deans Place is a lovely hotel and wedding venue on the edge of the village of Alfriston. The ceremony room looked fantastic with drapes and extra lighting and we are often told that having a wedding string quartet or one of our smaller ensembles at the front of the room can add even more atmosphere to the occasion. Before the ceremony, as the guests were being seated we were asked to play some of our more traditional classical music for strings which included music by Vivaldi and Bach. One of our favourites is the Vivialdi Double Concerto:

The bride had requested to walk in accompanied by her favourite piece of music – Gabriel’s Oboe from the Mission by Ennio Morricone:

 

During the signing of the register, when we always suggest having at least 2 pieces of music, we played our version of Pachelbel’s Canon in D as well as How Long Will I Love You by Ellie Goulding:

To exit, the couple had asked for All You Need is Love by the Beatles which we have again made a special arrangement of for weddings. Modern Music for Strings is really popular now and we have an absolutely enormous selection of pop covers for string quartet, string trio and string duo.

Following the ceremony the guests and ourselves relocated to another room for the drinks reception, and the weather was nice enough for the bride and groom and their guests to go outside to get some nice pictures in the grounds of Deans Place, overlooking the East Sussex countryside.

It was really nice to get to chat to the couple as their guest were seated for the wedding breakfast and we hope the rest of the day was as enjoyable as the time we spent at this lovely wedding.

A few days later we received a lovely email thanking us for being part of the wedding:

Hi Rachel,

Now that things have settled down, we wanted to take the time to thankyou for your hard work playing at our wedding at Deans Place last weekend.
Your skills and professionalism were second to none and really helped make the day special for us. To walk in to Gabriels Oboe was such a special moment for me and one I will always remember, and the combination of both classic and modern really helped create a fantastic atmosphere among our guests.
Our guests were truly blown away by the music and couldn’t stop talking about how beautiful you sounded and your expansive repertoire.
We would have no hesitation in recommending you to others as we really were blown away.
Once again, a massive thankyou!
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February 25th, 2019|Ensembles, Events, Pop Music for Strings, Testimonials, Venues, Weddings|

Wedding Ceremony Music in Preston Court, Canterbury

We recently returned to Preston Court in Canterbury (we have been here a lot as we are preferred suppliers at this amazing venue!). It was an amazing wedding, involving camper vans, vintage cars, and the incredible pipe organ at Preston Court. The venue is part of a farm but has a real vintage fairground feel with a carousel. The string trio began on the banks of the lake while the wedding party took their places on the small island. We began with a selection of our music for string trio, more classical in feel before moving on to the wedding ceremony music, which included McFly – It’s All About You (which seems to be really popular at the moment!) and How Deep Is Your Love by the Bee Gees. Following the ceremony we moved across the lawn to play some of our pop music arranged for string trio. As we got ourselves settled in the barn we were surprised when the organ started up – it’s the first time I have heard it and it was a really fantastic way to greet the guests. Playing throughout the meal, Jo the bride wanted us to keep an upbeat feel and had requested we include sons such as Always Look On The Bright Side of Life and Everybody’s Free from Romeo and Juliet, which I had previously arranged for another bride. It was a great day and we can’t wait to return to Preston Court.

Everybody's Free - Romeo and Juliet

All ABout You - McFly

Preston Court Organ!

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February 4th, 2019|Ensembles, Pop Music for Strings, Venues, Weddings|

Wedding in Penshurst, Kent

Back from a fantastic day in Penshurst, Kent! A longer booking than usual – the usual choice for our Wedding String Quartet is for the ceremony and drinks reception but sometimes when the ceremony is at a different venue we are asked to move between venues. Today we began in the beautiful St John the Baptist Church, dating back to the 12th Century.

http://www.penshurstchurch.org/the-church/

We ran into the Rector, Tom as we got to the church so could discuss arrangements for the wedding ceremony. It’s always important for us to establish the format for the ceremony as there are many different ways this can happen. He was really helpful throughout, giving us really clear signals – not always the case!! On this occasion the Bride and Groom had chosen 2 separate pieces for the entrance of the Bridesmaids and the entrance of the Bride:

and our version of Pachelbel Canon in D

Among the couple’s other choices were their chosen exit music, God Only Knows by the Beach Boys, which you can listen to in our arrangement of pop music for strings on our website:

LISTEN

 

Following the ceremony we made our way to the reception venue, Penshurst Place and began our music for the drinks reception in the fantastic setting of the Barrons Hall, a beautiful room with a circular open fire in the centre and suits of armour on tables around the outside. The couple had asked us to play a selection from our repertoire for String Quartet so we began with some classical pieces including Vivaldi Concertos, moving on later to music from films and shows and more contemporary pop music for string quartet. How about this?

 

After a break we moved to the marquee for the wedding breakfast, the guests were seated on long tables all joined together rather than seperate tables which was lovely and the flower arrangements were incredible! We continued with our pop arrangements, including some of our newest ones. How about a bit of Metallica for String Quartet?

Overall it was a tiring but ultimately rewarding day and we hope the addition of a wedding string quartet added to what was a really lovely wedding in an amazing setting.

Penshurst

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April 12th, 2018|Ensembles, Events, Pop Music for Strings, Venues, Weddings|

String Quartet for Party in Tunbridge Wells Hotel

We were recently contacted by one of our previous brides, Rachelle. We had played as a string quartet for her wedding back in 2012. She was planning a birthday celebration for her mum in Tunbridge Wells and as she had enjoyed the music at Rachelle’s wedding so much Rachelle thought it would be a lovely idea to surprise her with some string quartet music for the party. As there weren’t going to be too many guests and the room wasn’t too large she thought a string duo would be perfect. A mixture of our repertoire for string duo from classical to pop music for strings was requested with one particular piece being special – the theme from Downton Abbey. Luckily we had made an arrangement of this for another client previously so it was no problem for us to dust it off and play it at an appropriate moment. It proved as popular as Rachelle had thought it would be so we were asked to play it again later on.

As always we hoped that the addition of live string music would lift an already special occasion and it seemed to do the trick! IN fact Rachelle’s mum emailed us a few days later-

I cannot tell you just how much your attending my Birthday Gathering on Saturday evening meant to me! It was the most wonderful surprise gift from my husband and daughters and I am still smiling with the memory of your beautiful sounds filling the room…….thank you so very much.
 
Sincerely, Yvonne
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March 5th, 2018|Birthday Parties, Ensembles, Events, Pop Music for Strings, Venues|