A: A string quartet is a group of four stringed instruments: two violins, one viola, and one cello. The two violins usually play the melody and a counter melody which work together. The cello adds the bass line as the foundation of the mix, and the viola completes the mix and fills in the chords.
Q: What kind of music do you play?
A: Our repertoire is quite varied but can best be defined as light classical. You and your guests will recognize much of our music, even if you are not well versed in classical music. For weddings we play elegant, typically slower pieces before the ceremony. After the ceremony we play joyous and faster pieces. At a reception we can play strictly classical, if you prefer, or we can include pieces from a wide range of styles including waltzes, ragtime, Broadway show tunes and 1970’s light pop. However, we are not a dance band. If the bride and groom would like an individual dance, a waltz or pop tune, we are happy to oblige, but if you'd like all your guests to dance the night away your needs would be better handled by another group.
You can follow this link to view our Music List. Highlighted titles on that page can take you to midi sound bytes so that, via computerized music, you can get an idea what the selections sound like.
Q: How long do you play for a wedding?
A: Typically we play 15 minutes of prelude music, and 15 minutes of postlude music in addition to whatever music you would like us to play during the ceremony. (Please visit our Sample Wedding Program page for an example.) For receptions and other types of events, the musicians will take a five minute break each hour. These breaks may be taken all at once or in small parts. Breaks will be reasonably timed so as to work well with the flow of the event.
Q: How much space is required for the quartet?
A: We require an approximately 9' X 9' area to give us room to play. Also, 4 armless chairs need to be provided.
Q: Do you play for outdoor events?
A: Outdoor events are taken on a 'weather permitting' basis.
1) We will not play in the rain as our instruments would suffer unreasonable damage. Outdoor events need to have a rain site planned in case of non-cooperative weather.
2) Beach weddings, however beautifully planned, can be difficult for musicians as well as your guests. Unpredictable wind conditions can make it dangerous for our instruments as well as making it difficult to keep our music from blowing away. Wind can also make it difficult for guests to hear our music. In order to protect our instruments, we need for you to provide a shelter giving us full shade for the duration of your wedding - a 10x10 tent with 2 sides will do nicely. Our tent cannot be secured in sand and wind so you'll need to provide your own or rent one for us.
3) Adequate protection from direct sunlight when playing outside. We do need to position ourselves under the shade of the gazebo, arbor, tent, or in an area that will be fully shaded by trees during the entire event. We need to protect our valuable instruments. We can provide a 10' x 10' shelter for ourselves at a small additional charge.
4) Outdoor events also need to consider our temperature requirements. Being in Michigan, with our wide ranges of temperatures, it is not unusual even for a warm summer day to have the temperature fall by the start time of an early evening wedding. Based on protecting our valuable instruments, the temperature at the time we begin playing must be above 67 for the whole quartet to play.
Contact our Manager for more information concerning any of these "weather permitting" requirements.
Q: How do you pronounce Brioso and what does it mean?
A: Brioso is pronounced "bree-óh-so". Brioso is a musical term which means "Lively, vigorous, with spirit". We chose the name because we feel it best describes our group and the the way we play.
Q: Is it possible to hear the quartet actually playing?
A: Yes, please click here to hear several samples of music played by our quartet.
Q: Do you charge less for Friday weddings?
A: No, we do not. The same rates will apply.
Q: Do you travel to the Detroit or Lansing areas?
A: We do not travel to these areas, but can refer you to other quartets in that area:
Detroit Area Quartet -- The Four Seasons String Quartet
Lansing Area Quartet -- Kauri Chamber Ensembles (email or phone 517- 974-1939)
Q: I would like to hire you. What do I need to do next?
A: First, you will need to submit an information form. On it, clearly state that you would like to book us for your event. Our manager will check our availability for the date and time, contact you to inform you of our availability, and mail you a contract. You will have 2 weeks from the postmarked date to return a signed contract, along with full payment. Once the signed contract and payment are received, the quartet is hired for your event.
when playing outside. We do need to position ourselves under the shade of the gazebo, arbor, tent, or in an area that will be fully shaded by trees during the entire event. We need to protect our valuable instruments. We can provide a 10' x 10' shelter for ourselves at a small additional charge.