Our common format is all strings, however we can include a flute, harp and voice to enhance the ensemble. The flute can replace the first violinist (the melody line). This works well in all formats: string quartet, string trio, and also duo. All the repertoire remains the same. Vocals can also be popular for wedding ceremonies as feature items during the ceremony, and we can provide a soprano or tenor to perform with the strings if you wish. A Chazan, a choir and additional sax/keyboard player can be also booked for Jewish Weddings. 

Giardino String Quartet performs extensively at all of the major venues throughout London, the South East and South West of England. Queries for engagements outside of these areas are welcomed but may be subject to travel expenses.

We often play outside and are more than happy to do so, weather permitting of course. We do ask clients who would like us to play outside to take notes of the following points:

	Stringed instruments should not be placed in direct sunlight and therefore we require a shaded area in which to play outside. Ideally this space would need to be roughly 3m x 2m and free of any obstacles. We try to be as flexible as possible, for example sitting under trees or in a shaded area. To ensure that we will definitely be able to play outside many clients find it useful to erect a small gazebo for us in which to play.
	In the event of rain, we regret that we would not be able to play outside as water can cause severe damage to stringed instruments.
	On particularly windy days we would be as flexible as possible but may not be able to play outside due the wind blowing over music.

Our minimum booking during the summer months is for two hours as this is our busiest time of year. Enquiries for shorter bookings are welcomed as we are often able to accommodate clients requirements for shorter engagements which are within our immediate locality. As a general rule we have no length of time set as a maximum booking.

The Quartet's musicians generally do not attend the rehearsal, as it is normally unnecessary. However, should you have specific directions that require rehearsal, pre-function attendance is possible for an additional fee.

Traveling between venues is not a problem at all, and if necessary would be done within the total time period that you book us for. So that there is no disruption to the music at your event we do ask that you take this into consideration when deciding on the duration of your booking.

We would expect to take a 15-20 minute break for every two hours booked. For example during a four hour booking we would take one 15-20 minute break at a convenient time so as not to disrupt your event. For a two hour booking we would not take a break at all unless we are asked to provide two one hour sets.

We will arrive at least 45 minutes before the start time of your booking. This allows us plenty of time to set up, tune and to prepare to play.

In the event of the function overrunning due to a late start we will endeavour to play for the amount of time that you have booked us for. However, due to the nature of our work we will sometimes not be able to play beyond the agreed finish time. In the past where clients have been unsure of the exact timings for their event it has not been uncommon for them to book an additional 30-60 minutes to allow for all eventualities.

In the unlikely event that one of the quartet members is unable to play at your event due to illness or unforeseen circumstances, we would replace the absent member with another professional player of equal ability and experience who is known to us and our repertoire. This ensures that the high quality standard of the quartet is maintained at all times and will not affect your event at all.

We are happy to tailor our dress code according to your requirements and are happy to be as smart or as casual as you like! Unless a dress code is requested we will wear smart all black so as not to be incongruous to your event.

Yes! The Giardino String Quartet offers a music arrangement service for pieces which have not previously been published for string quartet. If we do not already hold a particular piece in our extensive repertoire and cannot source the music from elsewhere, we can arrange it for you. We would of course need adequate notice and there is sometimes an additional fee for this service. Please contact us for further information.