Hire String Quartet Canberra

Winners of national & international music competitions.

‘The music was absolutely beautiful and made our ceremony and pre-dinner drinks so special. Communication was easy and stress free. We will absolutely look to book the musicians in the future!’
Kieran

4 SIMPLE STEPS TO HIRE US

STRING QUARTET HIRE IN CANBERRA

Our Canberra string quartet has performed at weddings and events across the ACT, from lakeside ceremonies at The Boat House by the Lake and the National Arboretum to receptions at Pialligo Estate, Hyatt Hotel Canberra and Old Parliament House.

We perform for wedding ceremonies, corporate functions (gala dinners, embassy events, award nights), private celebrations, and funerals and memorial services across Canberra, the ACT wine region, Queanbeyan and surrounding regional NSW.

Our musicians are active members of the Canberra Symphony Orchestra. When you hire us, you’re booking the same musicians you’ll see performing at Llewellyn Hall and the Canberra Theatre Centre.

String quartet canberra

HIRE AWARD-WINNING CANBERRA STRING QUARTET MUSICIANS

Our musicians perform with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra. You can watch them live on stage at Llewellyn Hall almost every season. Visit the CSO events page to see upcoming performances.

Beyond orchestral work, our musicians have won national and international awards including the Musica Viva Grand Prize, the Kendall National Violin Competition and the Banff International String Quartet Competition. They also perform as string quartets, trios, duos and soloists across the ACT.

When you book our Canberra string quartet, you’re securing the finest musicians in the region.

String quartet for corporate events

CORPORATE CLIENTS TRUST IN US

String Musicians Australia takes pride in being trusted by Australia’s most prominent corporate companies for their important events.

Here is a list of some of our esteemed corporate clients:

  • Commonwealth Bank of Australia
  • Macquarie Bank
  • Deloitte
  • Price Waterhouse Coopers
  • HSBC
  • Qantas
  • Woolworths Group
  • Wesfarmers (Coles, Bunnings Warehouse, Kmart, Target)
  • Telstra
  • Optus
  • AMP Limited
  • News Corp Australia
  • Crown Resorts
  • JB Hi-Fi
  • Woodside Petroleum

This is just a selection of the many corporations that have chosen String Musicians Australia to add an elegant and captivating touch to their important events.

We take great pride in our ability to deliver exceptional performances and create unforgettable experiences for our corporate clients.

You too can trust in the expertise and professionalism of our string quartet to enhance your corporate event and leave a lasting impression on your guests.

View our full list of corporate clients.

Brisbane Outdoor Weddings - Live Musicians

CANBERRA’S MOST EXPERIENCED WEDDING STRING QUARTET MUSICIANS

We’ve performed at weddings across Canberra and the ACT, from garden ceremonies at the National Arboretum and Lennox Gardens to receptions at Pialligo Estate, Hyatt Hotel Canberra and University House. That experience means we understand the acoustics and logistics of the region’s most popular venues.

On the day, we arrive 20 minutes early, set up quietly, and begin playing as your guests are seated. We coordinate the processional, signing of the register and recessional with your celebrant or MC so every musical cue lands on time.

Most couples book us for the ceremony and pre-dinner drinks (1.5 to 2 hours). During this window the quartet makes the biggest impact and your guests are most attentive.

Learn more about how we perform at your wedding ceremony. Browse our most popular wedding and love songs or listen to 390+ sample recordings before you book.

WE’VE GRACED CANBERRA’S ICONIC VENUES

When you choose our Canberra string quartet for your wedding, loved-one’s funeral or other upcoming event, you can rest assured that we bring a wealth of experience and are well-acquainted with the various venues in the area.

Our familiarity with the layout and acoustics of the following venues in Canberra, ensures a seamless performance.

Even if we haven’t previously performed at a specific venue, our expertise allows us to adapt to its unique acoustics, guaranteeing a stunning and beautiful musical experience.

Please refer to the list below, showcasing the venues in Canberra where we have had the honour of performing.

 

  • National Arboretum Canberra
  • National Gallery of Australia
  • National Museum of Australia
  • Old Parliament House
  • Hyatt Hotel Canberra
  • Pialligo Estate
  • Hotel Realm
  • The Boat House by the Lake
  • Ginninderry Homestead
  • Poachers Pantry
  • Tuggeranong Homestead
  • University House, Australian National University
  • Yarralumla Woolshed
  • Gold Creek Station
  • Mount Majura Vineyard

 

  • St. Christopher’s Cathedral
  • St. John the Baptist Church
  • St. Paul’s Anglican Church
  • St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
  • Holy Trinity Church
  • St. Peter’s Anglican Church
  • St. Mary’s Catholic Church
  • St. Matthew’s Anglican Church
  • Canberra Baptist Church
  • Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture

 

  • Commonwealth Park
  • Glebe Park
  • Lennox Gardens
  • Weston Park
  • John Knight Memorial Park
  • Yarramundi Reach
  • Commonwealth Gardens
  • Nara Peace Park
  • Telopea Park
  • Weston Park Rose Garden

 

  • The Boat House by the Lake
  • Ottoman Cuisine
  • Aubergine Restaurant
  • Sage Dining Rooms
  • Courgette Restaurant
  • Pialligo Estate
  • Monster Kitchen and Bar
  • Pod Food
  • Italian and Sons
  • Raku Dining
hire wedding musicians - SMA

WE TRAVEL FAR AND WIDE

We typically travel up to 3.5 hours by car from the CBD for performances.

We can accommodate further distances if required, but please note that our fee will increase to cover additional travel expenses.

We are often willing to travel further for wedding ceremonies and funerals.

ALL FUNCTION TYPES

A string quartet elevates any occasion, enhancing the ambiance as guests arrive. The sophisticated touch of a quartet leaves a lasting impression, making every event unforgettable.

Explore the diverse range of functions we’ve performed at, including weddings, funerals, celebrations and corporate events, showcasing the unique appeal of our musical talents.

String quartet canberra

OUR CANBERRA STRING QUARTET PERFORMS THOUSANDS OF CHARTS

We perform over 3,000 songs covering classical, contemporary pop and rock, jazz, tango, folk music from a wide range of cultures, hymns, Christmas carols and film scores.

Browse our most popular wedding songs, our top reflective songs for funerals and memorial services, or listen to 390+ recordings to hear how different pieces sound.

SPECIAL SONG REQUESTS

If your favourite song isn’t in our 3000+ library of songs, we’re more than happy to arrange it for you at no additional cost.

In fact, we’ll accommodate up to three special requests at no extra charge, guaranteeing your cherished songs are performed live exclusively on your wedding day, for your loved-one’s funeral or other significant event.

If you have more than three special song requests, or if your event is within 30 days, please contact us, as we may be able to arrange them for you at an additional cost. 

Brisbane Outdoor Weddings

CUSTOM-TAILORED BAND

Our most popular option is the string quartet (two violins, viola and cello). We also offer string trios, string duos and solo performers to suit different budgets and venue sizes. Compare ensemble options and listen to recordings.

ON THE DAY

No power needed. We play acoustic instruments and read music on iPads, so we perform comfortably in low-light and evening settings with zero setup requirements.

For gatherings under 80 guests, we recommend acoustic performance, which suits wedding ceremonies, small receptions, funerals and wakes. For larger events or outdoor settings, we recommend amplification. If your venue provides PA equipment, please arrange one microphone per musician and allow an extra 30 minutes for a soundcheck.

We perform outdoors provided our instruments have overhead cover. Full details in our terms of service.

String quartet canberra
String quartet canberra

EXEMPLARY CLIENT CARE

From your first enquiry, one of our musicians becomes your single point of contact through to event day. We handle every music-related detail so you can focus on your guests.

We respond to all emails and missed calls within 24 hours and are available seven days a week. Unlimited phone and email support is included at no charge. In-person consultations are available at $200 + GST per hour.

String Musicians Australia, 3 McCrae Street, Garran, ACT 2605, Phone: 1300 997 923

Have a question? Get in touch or go straight to our booking form.

Pricing and Booking

Our prices are published on our website and include GST and travel from the Canberra CBD. No hidden fees. We arrive 20 minutes before your booking time to set up.

A $500 non-refundable deposit secures your date. The remaining balance is due at least 30 days before your event.

If you need to cancel or postpone your event, a full credit will be issued, provided we receive at least 30 days’ notice via email. Credits remain valid for 365 days from your original event date.

Most clients book 2-3 months in advance. For last-minute bookings (proposals, funerals, farewells), submit your enquiry as soon as possible and we’ll respond within 8 hours.

String quartet for corporate events

TRUSTED BY

Our Awards

  ABC Young Performer of the Year Award
  Atheneum Chamber Music Award
  Hephzibah Menuhin Competition
  Melbourne Research Scholarship
  Ian Potter Cultural Trust Grant
  Gwenn Prockter Cello Award
  McCaw-Bainton Scholarship
  Tait Memorial Trust Award
  Sid Curry Memorial Award
  Hattori Foundation Award
  Donald Hazelwood Award
  PPCA Foundation Award
  J Albert and Son Prize
  4MBS Musica Viva Sid Page Memorial Prize
  Melbourne Abroad Travelling Scholarship
  Austral Salon Instrumental Competition
  Mietta Song Recital Award – Best Pianist
  Centenary Medal for Service to the Arts
  Margaret Sutherland Bursary Award
  Australia Council for the Arts Award
  E.V Llewellyn Memorial Scholarship
  Australian Music Foundation Award
  Dandenong Festival of Music & Arts Gold Medallion
  Australian Chamber Music Competition
  Asia Pacific Chamber Music Competition
  Macklin Bursary Award
  Banff International String Quartet Competition
  Sleath Scholarship
  Australian Concerto Competition
  Australian National Piano Award
  Fine Music Australia Young Performer Award
  Gisborne International Music Competition, NZ
  Musica Viva Grand Prize
  Geoffrey Parsons Award
  Dorcus McClean Travelling Scholarship
  Kendall National Violin Competition
  Geelong Advertiser Music Competition
  Eric Read Cello Award
  Tallis Bursary Award
  Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Our Musicians

Q1: Who are the musicians performing at my Canberra event?
Our musicians take pride in performing with Canberra’s most distinguished orchestra, the Canberra Symphony Orchestra, a cultural gem in the heart of Australia’s capital city renowned for its exceptional musicianship, artistic excellence, and decades of captivating performances. Beyond their orchestral commitments, they also perform with a variety of ensembles including chamber orchestras, string quartets, string trios, string duos, and as solo performers throughout Canberra and the ACT. They have also won numerous prestigious national and international awards, including the Musica Viva Grand Prize, the Kendall National Violin Competition, and the Banff International String Quartet Competition.

Q2: Can I watch the musicians perform live before committing to a booking?
Absolutely. Our musicians take to the stage almost every week with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra. To find out when they are performing next, visit the Canberra Symphony Orchestra website directly for their upcoming performance schedule. It is the most transparent audition process we can offer.

Q3: How much local experience does the quartet have?
Having performed at numerous weddings in Canberra and across the ACT, our musicians bring a wealth of expertise and professionalism to every occasion. From the gentle melodies played as guests arrive, to the graceful harmonies during the processional, and the joyous notes of the recessional, our quartet adds an element of elegance and sophistication that elevates the atmosphere of every event.

Venues and Locations

Q4: Do you perform at Canberra churches and chapels?
Yes, we have extensive experience performing at churches and chapels across Canberra and the ACT, and we are well versed in the acoustic requirements and ceremony protocols of these sacred spaces. We coordinate the processional, signing of the register, and recessional to match your order of service precisely, ensuring every moment unfolds exactly as planned.

Q5: Do you travel to regional ACT and surrounding NSW towns?
Yes, we travel throughout the ACT and into the surrounding NSW region for performances, and our fee will increase to cover the additional travel expenses beyond the standard Canberra CBD radius. We will confirm the exact travel cost when you submit your enquiry, so there are no surprises on the day.

Q6: Can you perform at outdoor venues and garden ceremonies in Canberra?
We are pleased to perform outdoors at Canberra’s beautiful parks, gardens, and lakeside locations, provided our instruments have full overhead cover from direct sunlight, rain, and wind. Suitable settings include verandas, marquees, large shade umbrellas, or generous trees offering ample shade without the risk of falling foliage. An indoor backup space must always be available in case of unexpected weather changes, and performing on or near sand is not feasible.

Repertoire and Performance

Q7: What musical styles and repertoire does the Canberra quartet perform?
Our expansive library of over 3,000 songs spans popular contemporary hits from the 1950s to the present day, as well as enduring compositions from the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic eras. Our repertoire also includes tangos, hymns, folk melodies, jazz compositions, and celebratory Christmas carols, ensuring we can cater to virtually any preference or occasion, from grand cathedral weddings to intimate corporate cocktail functions.

Q8: What types of events does the Canberra quartet regularly perform at?
Our quartet is well suited to a broad range of occasions across Canberra and the ACT, including wedding ceremonies and receptions, corporate functions, private celebrations such as milestone birthdays and anniversaries, and more reflective occasions such as funeral services and memorial wakes. Whatever the nature of your event, we bring the same level of professionalism and artistry to every performance.

Booking and Logistics

Q9: How far in advance should I book?
Many clients secure their preferred date up to two years in advance to ensure availability, particularly for weddings. The majority of clients finalise their booking once all event details are confirmed, which is typically two to three months out. For short-notice bookings such as proposals, funerals, wakes, or urgent corporate functions, submit your enquiry as soon as possible and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Q10: What are the payment and cancellation terms?
A non-refundable $500 deposit secures your Canberra booking, with the remaining balance due at least 30 days before your event. All prices on our website include GST and travel from the Canberra CBD, with no additional or hidden fees. Should you need to cancel, a full credit valid for two years is issued with at least 30 days’ notice, and if government-imposed restrictions make your event unviable, a full credit is extended provided we are notified at least 48 hours in advance.

Q11: Will I have a dedicated point of contact for my event?
Yes. From your very first enquiry, one of our professional Canberra-based musicians will manage all communication through to your event date, keeping every detail accurate and stress-free. We are accessible seven days a week and respond to all emails and missed calls within 24 hours. Unlimited phone and email support is included at no charge, and in-person consultations are available at $200 + GST per hour.

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