Business Details
29 Years
experience
Elegant String Quartet for Weddings, Events & Private Parties in London
Astor String Quartet has been delivering exceptional musical performances for over 25 years, specialising in weddings, corporate events, and private parties. Our quartet comprises highly trained musicians with extensive experience in orchestral concerts, West End shows, and international venues. We pride ourselves on curating tailored musical experiences, having performed for notable figures such as HRH The Prince of Wales and Diana, Princess of Wales. Our repertoire spans classical masterpieces and contemporary classics, ensuring we meet diverse client preferences. With over 1,200 events under our belt, including 700 weddings, we combine professionalism with artistic excellence to elevate every occasion.Our team offers expert guidance in selecting music, ensuring seamless integration with your event's atmosphere. Clients such as BMW, British Airways, and The Foreign Office attest to our reliability and ability to add a touch of elegance to any gathering. We maintain a commitment to innovation, offering flexible attire options and a curated selection of outfits to complement your event's theme. Our dedication to client satisfaction is reflected in testimonials praising our punctuality, adaptability, and the emotional impact of our performances. As lifelong musicians, we continue to refine our craft, ensuring every performance meets the highest standards of artistry and service.
Services
Wedding Ceremonies
Corporate Events
Private Parties
Repertoire Planning
Event Music Consultation
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of experience performing at 1,200+ events globally
- Our quartet has played for royalty, celebrities, and Fortune 500 companies
- We provide tailored repertoire assistance to match your event's atmosphere
- Our musicians hold formal training from institutions like the Royal College of Music
- We guarantee professional attire and performance quality that enhances any venue
What people say
Perfect musical setting
Immaculate presentation
Exceptional service
Second to none performance
Added class to our event
Services
Wedding Ceremonies
We provide live string quartet performances for wedding ceremonies, cocktail hours, and receptions. Our repertoire includes classical pieces and modern adaptations to create romantic atmospheres. With experience at 700+ weddings, we understand timing requirements and can coordinate with officiants and planners. Our musicians adapt to outdoor and indoor venues while maintaining acoustic quality.
Corporate Events
Our quartet enhances corporate events with sophisticated background music for conferences, award ceremonies, and product launches. Clients like BMW and British Airways appreciate our ability to match brand elegance. We perform in formal attire and can adjust volume levels to suit networking or presentation phases without amplification.
Private Parties
We create memorable ambiances for private celebrations including milestone birthdays and garden parties. Our flexible repertoire transitions between classical and contemporary pieces to match guest demographics. The quartet performs in coordinated outfits that complement event themes while maintaining acoustic clarity in residential and venue settings.
Repertoire Planning
We offer expert guidance in selecting appropriate music for events. This includes suggesting pieces that match ceremony timings, venue acoustics, and client preferences. Our experience spans classical compositions to modern adaptations, ensuring seamless integration with event flow while maintaining musical excellence.
Event Music Consultation
We provide tailored advice on musical requirements for events, including timing coordination and volume control. Our consultation covers repertoire selection, performance logistics, and attire coordination to ensure complete event harmony while maintaining professional standards.
People
Penelope Gee
Violin
Founder of Astor String Quartet, Penelope studied at the Royal College of Music and has performed at venues including Her Majesty's Theatre. She combines performance expertise with teaching experience at Berkshire prep schools.
Julia Atkinson
Violin
Julia trained at the Royal College of Music and has played with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. She brings extensive West End show experience and teaching expertise from St Dunstan's College to the quartet.
Sheila Holdsworth
Viola
Sheila holds a Postgraduate Degree in Orchestral Studies from Goldsmiths College. With BBC Symphony Orchestra experience and film score credits, she contributes technical mastery and versatility to the quartet.
Ingrid Perrin
Cello
Ingrid studied at Wells Cathedral School and the University of York. Her diverse background includes performances with Elvis Costello and educational work through the Sistema social project, bringing both artistry and teaching expertise.
Questions
What types of events do you perform at?
We specialise in weddings, corporate events, private parties, and formal receptions. Our repertoire adapts to ceremonies, dinners, and cocktail events.
Can you play specific songs not listed in your repertoire?
Yes, we can source and arrange music not in our standard repertoire to match your preferences.
How far in advance should I book your services?
We recommend booking 6-12 months ahead for weddings, with corporate events requiring 3-6 months' notice.
Do you provide music equipment and amplification?
We perform acoustically and do not require amplification, though we can adapt to venues needing microphones.
What attire options are available?
We offer formal black attire, ruby red jackets, and can coordinate with your event's colour scheme.
