Happy New Year! It’s still early enough in January for us to be saying that, right? Anyway, we’ve got a change of pace for the first In The Spotlight of 2017. Today we’re featuring the sublimely talented Flower Quartet. The Flower Quartet are a London-based string quartet made up of classically trained musicians who studied at London’s top conservatoires. These exquisite musicians are the perfect choice for wedding entertainment: just imagine walking down the aisle accompanied by the romantic elegance of a classical rendition of your special song or sipping a glass or two of champagne with your guests, bathed in afternoon sun, as the quartet perform the most beautiful music ever composed. We were joined by the Flower Quartet’s Clem, who let us in on life as a classical musician.
Who are Flower Quartet?
The Flower Quartet are based in London and are passionate about performing for events. We perform for weddings, private parties, corporate functions and have also toured Europe with Katie Melua. We love what we do which is what we think sets us apart – playing music for events is always a pleasure and it’s an honour to be a part of weddings in particular.
Which song is your most requested ceremony song?
Definitely Pachelbel’s Canon! This is a beautiful piece of music and it’s no wonder it’s so popular – there are many other lesser-known pieces to choose from though and I’m always happy to offer my suggestions to clients wanting something different.
This is a great piece of advice. There’s so much beautiful music out there that people who aren’t classical musicians or experts in the genre might not have heard of. If you hire a string quartet, take the time to speak to your chosen performers, they may just introduce you to your new favourite piece of music.
Pachelbel’s Canon in D, performed by Flower Quartet
Do you have a favourite song to perform?
That’s a difficult one! Intermezzo Sinfonico by Mascagni is a very beautiful piece to play but if we’re performing for a party then ‘Happy’ by Pharrell is always great fun and puts big smiles on all the guests’ faces!
Wow. What a wonderful piece of music. A few minutes of that and all the stress of the world melts away. The piece by Mascagni isn’t bad either… 😉
Mascagni’s Intermezzo, performed by Flower Quartet
Out of the songs you’ve been asked to learn especially for a wedding, which is your favourite?
We once performed ‘The Final Count Down’ for a bride to walk down the aisle to. We were a little nervous about this choice but the guests loved it and the bride and groom were smiling from ear to ear so it’s all about choosing the music that’s right for you!
Do you get on with each other all of the time?
Yes! Unlike some other professions, we truly enjoy what we do and never feel unhappy about ‘going to work’. We’re all great friends and we love playing music – what’s not to like!
What’s the best thing about being in a quartet?
The best thing about playing in a quartet is sharing wonderful music with your friends. It’s also great getting to play at so many exciting and beautiful venues but the best thing about being in a quartet is definitely the music.
… and what’s the worst?
We usually leave events before the party really gets started in the evening so we don’t get treated to any of the guest’s killer moves on the dance floor!
What’s the weirdest thing that’s happened to you at a wedding?
A handful of times in the past one or two of the guests at the event we’ve been playing at have turned out to be friends, even when we have no direct link with the client so it is totally unexpected! It’s always a treat to see a familiar face, though!
And finally, the most important question: Buffet or Hog Roast?
We’ve often left by the time the evening meal is served but curry buffet would be our choice! So many flavours and something for everyone – win win!
That’s it. Competition cancelled. Curry buffet is obviously the perfect answer to this question. Seriously, nothing else can compete with that! (For anyone who is keeping score, that makes it 4-3 to buffet in the complimentary food league.)
Thanks to Clem for taking the time to answer our questions and giving us a peek into the world of classical music and life in a wedding string quartet.
Hire Flower Quartet for your wedding or any other event, by getting in touch with us over Live Chat, via email or by calling 0800 53 000 35. We’re open 10am to 10pm, 7 days a week and look forward to hearing from you!
