Wedding at Highley Manor

Jasmine & Tom’s Wedding at Highley Manor: Modern Pop String Music in a Sussex Countryside Setting

Highley Manor in Sussex was the setting for Jasmine and Tom’s summer wedding — a day marked by sunshine, relaxed elegance, and a live soundtrack curated by our Premiere Duo. We were delighted to provide live string music for their ceremony and drinks reception, with a setlist focused on modern pop arranged for strings.

A Contemporary Ceremony Setlist

Jasmine and Tom selected a personalised ceremony setlist that reflected their style — modern, emotive, and memorable. Each piece was arranged specifically for string duo to suit the tone of the day and the acoustics of the space.

Ceremony music included:

  • Entrance: Young & Beautiful – Lana Del Rey
    A cinematic, atmospheric choice that created an emotional moment as Jasmine walked down the aisle.

  • Signing of the Register: Your Song – Elton John
    A classic track, reworked for strings to suit the quiet, reflective moment of the signing.

  • Exit: Marry You – Bruno Mars
    An upbeat and celebratory choice for the couple’s walk back up the aisle, paired with a confetti toss.

Drinks Reception: Pop String Covers

Following the ceremony, we continued to play throughout the drinks reception held in the gardens at Highley Manor. Jasmine and Tom opted for a relaxed playlist of pop string arrangements that kept the atmosphere light and upbeat.

Setlist highlights included:

  • A Sky Full of Stars – Coldplay

  • Young & Beautiful – Lana Del Rey

  • Rather Be – Clean Bandit

These pieces work well in a string format — they’re instantly recognisable, but reimagined in a way that fits the setting and adds a touch of refinement.

The Value of a String Duo at Weddings

A string duo offers a clean, versatile sound with minimal setup, making it ideal for venues like Highley Manor where space or simplicity is a consideration. From a guest experience perspective, live strings add a layer of atmosphere that recorded music simply doesn’t match — it creates presence, adapts to the moment, and sets a tone that reflects the couple’s style.

Whether you prefer classical, contemporary, or something in between, our repertoire is built to be flexible and personalised. Every event is different, and our job is to support that with music that fits seamlessly into your day.

Planning a Wedding at Highley Manor or in Sussex?

If you’re getting married at Highley Manor — or anywhere in Sussex, Kent, Surrey, or London — and are looking for live string music tailored to your event, we’d be happy to help.

We offer bespoke arrangements and curated playlists designed to enhance ceremonies, drinks receptions, and beyond.

Get in touch to check availability or discuss your musical plans.

IMG_1819 IMG_1832

1
0
August 31st, 2025|Ensembles, Events, Pop Music for Strings, Venues, Weddings|

Bradley & Joanna’s Wedding at The Old Kent Barn

Bradley & Joanna’s Wedding at The Old Kent Barn: Live Strings and well-known pop covers

Weddings deserve a soundtrack that reflects the personality and style of the couple. At Bradley and Joanna’s wedding at The Old Kent Barn in Kent, we had the pleasure of performing a custom setlist for their ceremony, demonstrating how live string music adds a level of sophistication and atmosphere that recorded tracks can’t match.

The Art of String Arrangements for Pop Music

A string trio offers a distinctive way to reinterpret popular songs, combining familiarity with a fresh, expressive sound. The natural warmth and depth of strings bring out new emotional layers in well-known tracks, making them resonate in a way recorded versions often can’t.

For Bradley and Joanna’s ceremony, we arranged modern classics to suit their tastes and the moment:

  • Bridal Entrance: “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri
    Our arrangement enhanced the romantic melody, providing a subtle and elegant backdrop as Joanna entered.

  • Signing of the Register: “One Day Like This” by Elbow & “All You Need Is Love” by The Beatles
    These uplifting songs were arranged to maintain their energy while fitting the refined tone of the ceremony.

  • Exit: “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay
    Ending on an upbeat, celebratory note, our string version brought a lively finish as the couple left the ceremony.

Each piece was carefully arranged to complement the couple’s style and create a cohesive musical narrative throughout the ceremony.

Why a String Trio Works for Weddings

String trios offer versatility and sophistication, adapting seamlessly to various wedding styles and settings. Unlike recorded music, live strings respond dynamically to the atmosphere, enhancing moments from the bride’s entrance to the wedding breakfast.

Strings can cover a broad range of music, from classical pieces to contemporary pop, ensuring your wedding music feels personal.IMG_1638(1) IMG_1632(1) IMG_1635(1)

The Appeal of The Old Kent Barn, Kent

Located in the Kent countryside, The Old Kent Barn is a sought-after venue known for its rustic charm and natural beauty. The venue’s warm wooden interiors and spacious layout provide an inviting setting that pairs beautifully with live string performances.

Whether you’re planning a laid-back ceremony or a lively reception, The Old Kent Barn offers a flexible and picturesque backdrop for your day.

Planning Your Wedding Music

If you’re getting married at The Old Kent Barn or elsewhere in Kent and want music that elevates your celebration, a bespoke string trio can provide the perfect solution. We tailor every arrangement to your preferences and the mood you want to create, ensuring your wedding music is both elegant and memorable.

Interested in live string music for your Kent wedding?

Get in touch to discuss your plans and how we can help create the right soundtrack for your special day.

 

1
0
August 31st, 2025|About us, Ensembles, Events, Pop Music for Strings, Venues, Weddings|

Premiere String Trio at Wadhurst Castle, Sussex

A Perfect Day at Wadhurst Castle: Premiere String Trio Performs for Alex & Tom’s Wedding in Sussex

Nestled in the heart of the East Sussex countryside, Wadhurst Castle provided a breathtaking backdrop for Alex and Tom’s unforgettable wedding day. The Premiere String Trio was honoured to provide live music throughout the ceremony and drinks reception, adding a touch of elegance and emotion to the celebrations.

Romantic Outdoor Ceremony with Panoramic Views

The ceremony took place on the picturesque castle grounds, surrounded by sweeping views across the Weald — a truly magical setting for exchanging vows. As guests settled into their seats under the soft August sunshine, our string trio set the tone with a curated selection of romantic music.

The bride made her entrance to an emotional string version of Still Into You by Paramore — a modern and deeply personal choice that added a contemporary twist to the ceremony. Following the couple’s vows and joyful “I do’s,” they exited as newlyweds to Mendelssohn’s timeless Wedding March, bringing the ceremony to a classic and celebratory close.

Elegant Reception in the Orangery

After the ceremony, guests moved into the beautiful Orangery at Wadhurst Castle for a relaxed and stylish drinks reception. Here, the Premiere String Trio continued to perform, offering a lively and modern playlist of string covers of popular songs that kept the atmosphere vibrant and upbeat.

Highlights of the setlist included:

  • Dreams – Fleetwood Mac

  • I Gotta Feelin’ – Black Eyed Peas

  • Young and Beautiful – Lana Del Rey

Our unique arrangements brought a fresh sound to well-loved hits, blending contemporary music with the classical elegance of live strings. The combination proved a perfect match for the couple’s chic, romantic aesthetic and the elegant surroundings of Wadhurst Castle, one of the most sought-after wedding venues in Sussex.

Live String Music for Weddings in Sussex and Beyond

Performing at Alex and Tom’s wedding was a joy, and Wadhurst Castle is undoubtedly one of the most stunning venues we’ve had the pleasure of visiting. With its landscaped gardens, historic charm, and elegant indoor spaces, it offers a picture-perfect setting for couples looking for a luxury Sussex wedding.

Whether you’re planning an outdoor ceremony, a formal church wedding, or a relaxed celebration in a countryside venue, Premiere String Trio provides live string music for weddings tailored to your unique style and vision. From classical favourites to pop covers, our versatile repertoire is ideal for ceremony music, drinks receptions, and wedding breakfasts alike.

Planning Your Wedding at Wadhurst Castle?

If you’re getting married at Wadhurst Castle or another Sussex, Kent, Surreym, Essex or London wedding venue and are considering live string music to enhance your day, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch to discuss your plans and how we can help create a beautifully musical backdrop to your special day.

Contact us today to enquire about availability and repertoire – we can’t wait to be part of your celebration!

IMG_1965  IMG_1961

0
0
August 31st, 2025|Ensembles, Events, Performances, Pop Music for Strings, Venues, Weddings|

Bradley and Joanna’s Wedding at Old Kent Barn, Kent

IMG_1632   IMG_1638

Live String Trio for Weddings in Kent: Bradley & Joanna’s Day at The Old Kent Barn

Choosing the right wedding music sets the tone for your entire day. At Premiere String Quartet, we specialise in creating bespoke soundtracks through elegant String Trio arrangements and quartet performances, tailored to each couple’s preference

Bradley and Joanna’s wedding at The Old Kent Barn in Kent was a perfect example of how live strings can transform a ceremony into something deeply personal and unforgettable.

Why Choose a String Trio for Your Wedding?

A String Trio offers a balance of richness and intimacy — with violin, viola, and cello combining to create a warm, romantic sound that fills the room without overwhelming it. Many couples choose a trio for ceremonies and receptions when they want something more personal than a playlist, but still elegant and full of character.

With Premiere String Quartet, our musicians design unique String Trio arrangements of your favourite songs, blending classical sophistication with modern romance.

Bespoke Wedding Music at The Old Kent Barn

For Bradley and Joanna, we curated a ceremony setlist that reflected their style and love story. Each piece was specially arranged for String Trio to capture both the emotion of the moment and the atmosphere of this stunning Kent venue:

  • Bridal Entrance — A Thousand Years (Christina Perri), performed in a heartfelt and intimate String Trio arrangement.

  • Signing of the Register — One Day Like This (Elbow) & All You Need Is Love (The Beatles), uplifting and joyful choices, reimagined through our bespoke arrangements for String Trio.

  • Exit — Viva La Vida (Coldplay), a triumphant, celebratory piece arranged for trio, filling the barn with energy as the couple walked out as newlyweds.

Premiere String Quartet: Tailored Music for Every Couple

Every wedding is unique, and so is the music. Premiere String Quartet, crafts performances that are as individual as the couples we play for. From timeless classical works to contemporary favourites, our String Trio arrangements are designed to reflect your personality and make your ceremony unforgettable.

Planning Your Wedding in Kent?

If you’re searching for live wedding music in Kent, The Old Kent Barn is just one of the stunning venues we’ve performed at. Our String Trio or full Premiere String Quartet can transform your day with music that feels timeless, elegant, and completely your own.

✨ Walk down the aisle to the sound of live strings.
✨ Celebrate with joyful, bespoke String Trio arrangements.
✨ Create memories that last a lifetime.

Contact Premiere String Quartet today to discuss your wedding plans — we’d love to design the perfect live soundtrack for your special day. contact via our contact form or message us on Instagram

1
0
August 16th, 2025|Weddings|

India and Ollie’s Wedding at the Crescent Turner Hotel


  • IMG_1490
  • IMG_1480 2

India & Ollie’s Whitstable Wedding at The Crescent Turner Hotel –  String Trio

@premiere.string.quartet

We were delighted to perform at India and Ollie’s wedding at the beautiful Crescent Turner Hotel in Whitstable — a venue with stunning views over Whitstable Harbour and the Kent coastline. From our spot on the terrace, we could see fishing boats in the harbour, golden evening light over the sea, and guests enjoying every moment. It was the perfect setting for live music.

For their ceremony, India and Ollie chose a playlist that blended romance with personality:

  • Bridal Entrance – Your Song (Elton John)

  • Signing of the Register – Signed, Sealed, Delivered (Stevie Wonder)

  • Exit as Newlyweds – Dreams (Fleetwood Mac)

All three were specially arranged for our string trio, giving each piece a warm, elegant sound while keeping the energy and recognisability of the originals. This is what makes a string trio so perfect for weddings — we can play everything from classical favourites to modern hits, adapting to suit the couple’s style and venue.

At Premiere String Quartet, we perform as a string trio or quartet for:

  • Wedding ceremonies (indoor or outdoor)

  • Drinks receptions

  • Wedding breakfasts

  • Special moments throughout the day

Live string music transforms a wedding atmosphere — from the emotional build-up of the bridal entrance to the joyful walk back down the aisle, the sound of strings makes every moment feel special. We also work closely with couples to create personalised playlists, ensuring the music feels unique to their day.

If you’re planning your wedding in Whitstable, the Kent coast, or beyond, we’d love to bring that same magic to your celebration.

Keywords: Whitstable wedding, Crescent Turner Hotel, Kent seaside wedding, Whitstable Harbour wedding, live string trio, wedding ceremony music, Premiere String Quartet, Elton John wedding song, Stevie Wonder wedding music, Fleetwood Mac wedding exit, live music for weddings Kent, coastal wedding music.

0
0
August 10th, 2025|Uncategorized|

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!

1
0
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.

1
0
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!

1
0
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!
0
0
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!
1
0
February 25th, 2019|Ensembles, Events, Pop Music for Strings, Testimonials, Venues, Weddings|