🎻 Premiere String Trio – Wadhurst Castle for Alex & Tom’s wedding.

Premiere String Trio Performs at Wadhurst Castle Wedding

Premiere String Trio had the pleasure of performing at the beautiful Wadhurst Castle for Alex and Tom’s wedding — a stunning venue set in the East Sussex countryside, with far-reaching views across the Weald.

The ceremony took place outdoors in the castle grounds, offering a natural and elegant setting for the couple’s vows. For the bridal entrance, the couple chose Still Into You by Paramore — a modern and meaningful alternative to more traditional processional music. Played on strings, this upbeat pop-punk love song took on a fresh, lyrical quality that was both personal and memorable. The couple then made their exit to Mendelssohn’s Wedding March, a timeless classic that added a sense of celebration and grandeur to the close of the ceremony.

Modern Pop String Covers for the Drinks Reception

Following the ceremony, guests moved to the Orangery for the drinks reception. Here, the mood shifted to a more relaxed and festive atmosphere — perfect for our curated setlist of contemporary pop arrangements.

Some of the highlights included:

Dreams – Fleetwood Mac
I Gotta Feeling – Black Eyed Peas
Young and Beautiful – Lana Del Rey

These songs are popular choices for drinks receptions, offering recognisable melodies that translate beautifully on strings. The mix of upbeat and atmospheric tunes helped maintain energy while still allowing for conversation and mingling.

Using modern pop songs arranged for string trio is a great way to reflect your personality as a couple while keeping the musical aesthetic elegant and cohesive. Whether you’re into indie, pop, or something more alternative, our bespoke arrangements can be tailored to suit the tone of your day — from intimate and romantic to lively and fun.

Why Choose Pop Arrangements for Your Wedding Music?

Blending modern string covers with classical music creates a versatile and engaging soundtrack for your wedding. Many couples find that this combination strikes the perfect balance between timeless elegance and contemporary relevance.

During the ceremony, a well-chosen pop ballad can make the bridal entrance more personal.
For the drinks reception, upbeat chart hits can lift the mood and entertain guests without overpowering the atmosphere.
Custom arrangements also allow you to include songs that hold special meaning, even if they’re not typically associated with weddings.

At Premiere String Trio, we work closely with our clients to create a musical experience that enhances each part of the day — from the ceremony to the final note of the reception.

Planning your wedding music?
Browse our repertoire or get in touch to discuss bespoke string arrangements for your ceremony, drinks reception, or wedding breakfast.

Premiere String Quartet Contact

September 13th, 2025|About us, Ensembles, Events, Performances, Pop Music for Strings, Venues, Weddings|

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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!

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!

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

Wedding Ceremony Music in Preston Court, Canterbury

We recently returned to Preston Court in Canterbury (we have been here a lot as we are preferred suppliers at this amazing venue!). It was an amazing wedding, involving camper vans, vintage cars, and the incredible pipe organ at Preston Court. The venue is part of a farm but has a real vintage fairground feel with a carousel. The string trio began on the banks of the lake while the wedding party took their places on the small island. We began with a selection of our music for string trio, more classical in feel before moving on to the wedding ceremony music, which included McFly – It’s All About You (which seems to be really popular at the moment!) and How Deep Is Your Love by the Bee Gees. Following the ceremony we moved across the lawn to play some of our pop music arranged for string trio. As we got ourselves settled in the barn we were surprised when the organ started up – it’s the first time I have heard it and it was a really fantastic way to greet the guests. Playing throughout the meal, Jo the bride wanted us to keep an upbeat feel and had requested we include sons such as Always Look On The Bright Side of Life and Everybody’s Free from Romeo and Juliet, which I had previously arranged for another bride. It was a great day and we can’t wait to return to Preston Court.

Everybody's Free - Romeo and Juliet

All ABout You - McFly

Preston Court Organ!

February 4th, 2019|Ensembles, Pop Music for Strings, Venues, Weddings|

Wedding in Penshurst, Kent

Back from a fantastic day in Penshurst, Kent! A longer booking than usual – the usual choice for our Wedding String Quartet is for the ceremony and drinks reception but sometimes when the ceremony is at a different venue we are asked to move between venues. Today we began in the beautiful St John the Baptist Church, dating back to the 12th Century.

http://www.penshurstchurch.org/the-church/

We ran into the Rector, Tom as we got to the church so could discuss arrangements for the wedding ceremony. It’s always important for us to establish the format for the ceremony as there are many different ways this can happen. He was really helpful throughout, giving us really clear signals – not always the case!! On this occasion the Bride and Groom had chosen 2 separate pieces for the entrance of the Bridesmaids and the entrance of the Bride:

and our version of Pachelbel Canon in D

Among the couple’s other choices were their chosen exit music, God Only Knows by the Beach Boys, which you can listen to in our arrangement of pop music for strings on our website:

LISTEN

Following the ceremony we made our way to the reception venue, Penshurst Place and began our music for the drinks reception in the fantastic setting of the Barrons Hall, a beautiful room with a circular open fire in the centre and suits of armour on tables around the outside. The couple had asked us to play a selection from our repertoire for String Quartet so we began with some classical pieces including Vivaldi Concertos, moving on later to music from films and shows and more contemporary pop music for string quartet. How about this?

After a break we moved to the marquee for the wedding breakfast, the guests were seated on long tables all joined together rather than seperate tables which was lovely and the flower arrangements were incredible! We continued with our pop arrangements, including some of our newest ones. How about a bit of Metallica for String Quartet?

Overall it was a tiring but ultimately rewarding day and we hope the addition of a wedding string quartet added to what was a really lovely wedding in an amazing setting.

April 12th, 2018|Ensembles, Events, Pop Music for Strings, Venues, Weddings|

12 3 4 5 Next

Premiere String Trio Performs at Wadhurst Castle Wedding

Modern Pop String Covers for the Drinks Reception

Why Choose Pop Arrangements for Your Wedding Music?

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