Fine Tune Entertainments


Ensembles

We offer friendly and informed advice on which musicians will best suit your tastes and requirements. We can also help you select the music they will play.

Figaro - String Quartet

photograph © JR Photography

Our most popular ensemble, the string quartet, is a classic choice for any occasion. Offering a wide and varied repertoire, from popular classics through to modern day favourites, the string quartet has something for everyone.

All members of the quartet are graduates of the Birmingham Conservatoire and have extensive experience of playing for both public and private functions, including recitals and television work, corporate dinners, parties and weddings. The Figaro String Quartet has earned a reputation for it’s friendly, flexible approach and polished performance.

 

Figaro - String Trio or Duo

photograph © JR Photography

If you like the sound of strings but are either short on space, working with a smaller budget or would just like something even more intimate than the string quartet, the Figaro trio or duo is the right choice for you.

The high class players from the Figaro string quartet also perform in these smaller ensembles and can offer a similar choice of repertoire.

 

ReeDefined - Sax / Clarinet quartet

ReeDefined is a very versatile quartet that offers the unique opportunity to have two ensembles in one. Choose the clarinet quartet for the more refined part of your day, and then get "in the mood" when they bring out the saxophones and create a party atmosphere ready for your evening’s entertainment. ReeDefined’s individual blend of classical and jazz can be tailored to suit your day.

 

Sennet Brass - Brass Quintet

The glorious sound of a brass quintet creates the perfect mood for a summer drinks reception on the lawn or, indoors, can comfortably fill a larger venue with a vibrant and colourful array of sound. Sennet Brass is a leading young brass quintet comprising of players who have freelanced with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra in the Age of Enlightenment and the Royal Shakespeare Company among others. Members also work regularly in jazz ensembles and show bands, giving the quintet a great capacity for diverse programming. Their vibrant approach to music-making appeals to audiences of all ages and backgrounds, guaranteeing that performances are met with great enthusiasm.

Trumpet soloist

Trumpeters from Sennet Brass have a wide solo repertoire of fanfares and celebratory music, guaranteed to make your guests sit up and listen!

 

Trio Capriccio - Woodwind Trio

Trio Capriccio is a lively group of talented musicians with a passion for quality music performance. The group was formed in 2000 when Joanna Kirkwood (flute), Jo Mayne (bassoon) and Judith Hood (clarinet) were all studying at the Birmingham Conservatoire. As a unique alternative to the string quartet the trio pride themselves on their flexibility, enabling them to cater for every event and occasion.

Since they formed, the group has performed at many prestigious events including for Her Majesty the Queen at the International Convention Centre and for HRH Prince Charles at Whitley Court. The trio were featured artists in the Jersey Arts Festival in 2004 where they gave a live BBC Radio Broadcast and performed at the opening of the Bullring in Birmingham. They play regularly for weddings and functions nationwide.

 

Piello - Piano and Cello Duo

The beautiful sound of cello and piano creates an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere at any event. These two highly accomplished performers are skilled at selecting music from their varied repertoire that will give your event a personal touch.

Stephen Watkins - Pianist

As well as forming half of Piello, Stephen also performs as a solo pianist. Since studying with Phillip Martin at the Birmingham Conservatoire Stephen has gained wide experience as a concert pianist, repetiteur and cocktail pianist and is skilled at drawing from these varying styles to add the perfect accompaniment to any event.

 

Singers

For voices that blend beautifully in any venue and will entertain your guests at any occasion choose one of our vocal ensembles. All singers are with the internationally renowned ’Ex Cathedra’ and also perform as soloists in prestigious venues throughout the UK and abroad. Our singers can perform in a variety of ensembles from soloists and small groups right through to larger choirs. These ensembles encompass a wide-ranging repertoire including madrigals, popular classics, barbershop and pop songs. All requests are considered.

 

Salene - Electric Violinist

The violinist with Fret and Fiddle, Salene, is also available as a soloist performing to backing tracks. Her expertise in performing a wide variety of styles means she can perform throughout your day, starting with popular classics and moving into more energetic styles including jazz, swing, country, Irish and more...

 

The Old Dance School - Celidh Band

The Old Dance School is a fun, young and energetic 8-piece Ceilidh band that creates a lively atmosphere perfect for parties and celebrations. The caller will guide your guests through the steps before the band kicks in with traditional tunes from Ireland, England and Scotland. While your guests take a break the band can also perform their own instrumentals, songs and arrangements of traditional tunes, taking influences from all over the world. If you are looking for a fun evening with top quality music, which can involve everyone from one to one hundred, The Old Dance School are ideal for your event. If space or budget won’t quite stretch to an 8-piece band, members of the group perform in smaller ensembles.

 

Folk Fiddlers

photograph © JR Photography

Fiddlers from The Old Dance School perform as a duo, or trio when joined by the box drum. The sound of traditional folk tunes creates a happy and informal atmosphere that is perfect to accompany a drinks reception or informal party.

As classically trained violin and viola players the duo can also perform classical repertoire suitable for more formal occasions such as wedding ceremonies.

 

Fret and Fiddle - Gypsy Jazz Band

A vibrant and energetic band performing "Hot Club jazz" or "Gypsy jazz" as it is also known. Fret and Fiddle play music by the legendary gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt and jazz violinist Stéphane Grappelli as well as other great jazz standards. The band create a relaxed and laid back atmosphere perfect for accompanying dinner and can then step up a gear to provide an evening of lively music and dancing that all ages can enjoy.

 

melodique - Piano and Vocal duo

The unique sound of voice and piano provides a subtle, sophisticated background atmosphere for all occasions. Hazel & Debora are experienced performers and can provide a varied repertoire, from popular and contemporary hits, through to show tunes, through to a more classical style. They can provide their own electric piano.

 

Baroque Ensembles

If your event is taking place in an historic venue, why not choose historic music to add the finishing touch? Our Baroque musicians specialise in performing 18th century music using instruments of the time and, where appropriate, perform in full period costume. This unusual and sophisticated option can start with two musicians (harpsichord and baroque violin) and grow to four or five to perform the works of Bach, Handel and Vivaldi to suit taste and occasion. The sublime music and beautifully decorated harpsichord are guaranteed to be a talking point for your guests, transporting them back to an earlier era.

 

Contact Us | ©2005 Fine Tune Entertainments