For today’s In The Spotlight we are chatting with the elegant and exceptionally talented Stella Strings!
With their gorgeous combination of violin and cello, this accomplished string duet play an eclectic variety of music ranging from classical to contemporary. Their versatility will come as no surprise; the pair have a phenomenal amount of experience behind them, from performances at the Proms to world tours aboard luxury ocean liners. Whether they’re reviving Bach or delivering velvet renditions of Beyoncé, each performance is an experience not to be missed.
We had a catch up with the two lovely ladies to find out what they love about performing, who their influencers are and more!
Who are Stella Strings?
We are two really good friends who love playing music together! This really comes across in our performances which is what we think sets us apart from other string groups. There’s always a lot of laughter at our events!
Give us a wow fact about your act!
Julia plays with the BBC Symphony Orchestra and has appeared at the Proms most years since she was 13! She has been the violinist with ‘The Bootleg Beatles’, has shared the stage with Beverly Knight and has also played on Britain’s Got Talent. Sara plays with the Royal Shakespeare Company and recently played in their live television broadcast of Romeo & Juliet and also appeared on Top of The Pops! Stella Strings have also played for members of Coldplay & The Cure!
What inspired you both to become musicians?
For Sara it was performing on stage that drew her in! She saw some professionals play at her school and seeing them up on the stage made her want to do it too. Julia just instantly chose the violin when she saw a friend playing it at school! Her parents kept trying to encourage an easier instrument but she insisted!
Which song is your favourite to perform?
That’s a tough one, we have so many favourites! I think our current top pick has to be Bohemian Rhapsody, it’s so fun to play! It often surprises people to hear it on just two string instruments too.
Out of all the songs you’ve been asked to learn, which is your favourite?
We were asked to arrange Beyonce’s ‘Halo’ a couple of years ago and it is now a firm favourite with our clients, it sounds really beautiful on strings.
Which song can you rely on to create a great atmosphere?
Oh gosh, another tricky one! ‘Mr Brightside’ always has people up and singing along. ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’ is another great anthem but on a softer note, Elgar’s ‘Air on a G String’ is beautiful, Elbow’s ‘One Day Like This’ always goes down well and our rendition of Ed Sheeran’s ‘Perfect’ has been a favourite with some saying it’s ‘better than the original!’
Do you get on with each other all of the time?
We really do. We feel like sisters and people often ask us if we are! We were drawn to each other’s personalities when we first met in Jersey in 2010 and this really comes across in our performances. We just have a lot of fun and our chemistry comes across, it’s like we create our own little bubble when we’re on a stage!
Who has the most annoying habit (and what is it)?
Hmmm… no annoyances as such but Julia can be the one to take charge of our bookings. I mean, someone has to be the bossy one! She also has to always make sure that Sara has a coffee in hand at all times, and something chocolatey or of the carrot cake variety!!
What’s the best thing about being an entertainer?
Being a part of personal events and having the ability to make people feel different emotions with our music. We have the ability to take people back to a memory in an instant which is such a special thing to be able to do. Music is such a gift in that sense.
…and what’s the worst?
Oh I can’t think of any! Probably the anti-social hours at times. Touring with orchestras and bands and having concerts through the week/weekends can take us away from our home lives a little.
What’s the weirdest thing that’s happened to you at a wedding?
The funniest thing we’ve been asked to do (that actually went down really well) is play the Darth Vadar theme for the beginning of the Bridal Entrance! It is actually also our most memorable moment as it was so good!
If you weren’t musicians, what would you be doing?
Sara would definitely be a Yoga instructor and Julia would be either an events planner or interior designer.
Most importantly: Buffet or Hog Roast?
Ohhhh, we want to say Hog Roast but it would probably be a Buffet!
Book Stella Strings today!
A massive thank you to Stella Strings for these excellent answers! If you’d love to discover more about these experienced musicians, check out their in-depth profile! It’ll come as no surprise that this string duo are in high demand, so don’t hesitate to get in touch if you want to experience them at your upcoming event!
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