String Quartets for Corporate Dinners:
Setting the Right Mood
Corporate Events: The Importance of Live Music
Corporate dinners are about more than just dining — they’re a time to celebrate successes, foster relationships and express your company’s values. The right entertainment can do wonders for the atmosphere. That’s why there is the string quartet for a corporate dinner, which is the music equivalent of doing business over a meal: unobtrusive and dignified, plus all the warmth and sophistication that recorded music or an amplified band frequently can’t bring.
Unlike the boisterousness of a DJ or a high-energy cover band, a string quartet provides a polished canvas. Their acoustic offering means that guests can enjoy a good chat without needing to shout over the music, so they’re also well suited to a live music corporate event where socialising has to be as much part of the evening as the music.
The Many Facets of String Quartets
One of the main advantages of hiring a string quartet for a corporate dinner is that they are adaptable. Whether it’s a formal black-tie dinner, a relaxed networking reception, or a creative industry launch, they can fill the room with sounds which provide a fitting backdrop and get your guests talking.
Some of the best musical selections are:
- Arrival or entrée: Canon in D – Johann Pachelbel – It’s dignified strains immediately establish a sense of sophistication and tranquility, perfect for hotel ballrooms, upscale restaurants or art galleries.
- Drinks and mingling: Eine Kleine Nachtmusik by Mozart – An upbeat and familiar tune that brings a fun, festive vibe flowing in an open-plan or rooftop space.
- Reflection and dessert: Clair de Lune by Claude Debussy – delicate and so emotive, slows the pace and keeps the guests’ focus.
Music That Moves With the Occasion
As the evening progresses, the music should evolve alongside it. String Musicians Australia’s string quartet can uplift or calm down the mood, depending on the groove. This function-based flexibility ensures the event doesn’t feel disjointed.
For transitional moments — when speeches conclude, or new courses are presented — consider:
- Spring from The Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi– Perky and upbeat, good for bringing back some vibrance to the room as awards or presentations.
- Clocks by Coldplay (string version) – It’s more modern but still keeps a sophisticated vibe to your wedding event.
These well-timed musical shifts help maintain energy and engagement across the evening.
Reinforcing Professionalism Through Music
When you’re deciding on a string quartet, it’s about more than the music — it’s about what that choice conveys about your business. When hiring string musicians, nothing says attention to exquisite detail like hiring formal event musicians. A live string musicians implies class and sophistication, it says your company is simply classy, professional and cares about presentation.
It’s especially valuable for:
- End-of-year dinners
- Milestone celebrations in the boardroom
- Client appreciation nights
- Industry awards ceremonies
- Infusing Modern Style with Stylish Covers
Classical music is always in style, but many string quartets cover updated arrangements of today’s popular hits, movie themes, and dance music. This actually adds to the excitement, and will give your corporate event a contemporary twist while still being sophisticated.
Popular contemporary string quartet selections include:
- Viva La Vida by Coldplay – Upbeat and lively, perfect for dynamic city locations and creative sectors.
- Skyfall by Adele – We love the richness and drama of this one, great for gala dinner events in Grand theatres or older, more historic venues.
- Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen – Different, brave, perfect for product launches or brands with personality to burn.
Mixing traditional with modern music helps balance elegance with creativity, appealing to a diverse guest list.
Supporting Speeches, Awards and Transitions
Most corporate dinner events will have a formal element to them in the way of a speech, presentation or awards being presented. A string quartet can help out with these transitions, providing fluidity and a touch of class. Instead of clunky sound effects or abrupt silences, you have seamless musical bridges that help hold attention and ambience.
Suggestions for these moments:
- Guest speaker’s entrance: Arrival of the Queen of Sheba, Handel
- Awards and honours: Trumpet Voluntary by Jeremiah Clarke
- Closing piece: Meditation from Thaïs, Massenet
These elements add drama and elegance to the formal aspects of your event without being overpowering.
Local Flavour: Celebrating with an Australian Touch
For events looking to reflect local culture, string quartets can also weave in some well-known Australian pieces. The inclusion of familiar tunes adds some national pride and a sense of belonging, especially for international clients or government occasions.
Australian-themed options include:
- I Am Australian by Bruce Woodley and Dobe Newton – An instrumental edition makes it tasteful, yet still relevant.
- Down Under by Men at Work (string version) – A fun and non-serious encore that sends guests off smiling.
Most professional string players have no problem tailoring their playlist with songs specific to your company’s history or audience demographic.
Booking Professional Musicians You Can Trust
Nothing is more important for a business dinner or corporate celebration than reliability. Using a reputable company like ours at String Musicians Australia lets you know you’re booking with trustworthy musicians, who are reliable, polished and have had experience working in corporate environments.
What you can expect:
- Punctual and prepared musicians
- Discreet set-up and pack-down
- Real-time adaptation for flow or speech changes
- Flawless performance to complement the spirit of your occasion
This is a peace of mind that allows you to concentrate on your guests, while they take over the entertainment for the evening.
Why a String Quartet is a Great Choice for your next Corporate Dinner?
In summary, there are many practical advantages of hiring a string quartet for a corporate event:
- Provides an inviting, home-like feel with polished, professional-appropriate imagery
- Improved segment-swapping performance
- Discreet music levels promote conversation
- Reinforces brand image, giving you the look of attention to detail, sophistication
- Can be customized to suit a theme, culture, or guest demographic
It’s much more than just music — and a wise investment in the experience you’re providing your guests.
Book Australia’s Top Formal Event Musicians
If you’re planning a live music corporate event and want to leave a lasting impression, String Musicians Australia have you covered. We have the Australia’s finest string quartets for corporate dinners, product launches and end-of-financial year functions.
Our musicians are based in capital cities and major regional centres throughout Australia. Whether you are throwing a dinner for 20, or a gala for 200, we’ll help you set the right tone with professional, polished live music.
Contact us today!
