Below you will find all the information you will need when considering booking The Bossard Quartet. If there's anything not covered here, please do not hesitate to contact us via the Contact page.
-
"What does a string quartet consist of?"
A string quartet consists of two violins, a viola and a cello.
-
"Do you offer a string duo as well as a string quartet?"
Yes we can offer you a string duo (typically violin and cello, or viola and cello) for smaller events. Our repertoire tends to be baroque / classical as this is best suited to duo. Please feel free to make requests for specific pieces for duo and we will do our best to source something specific, but there may be an extra fee for this.
For more information, please contact us.
-
"What if I would like an organist at my church ceremony?"
TBQ have played at many church services and enjoy the wonderful acoustics of playing in churches. We can provide all the music required for a ceremony. However, if you need an organist to accompany hymns, we strongly recommend Angela, our violin/viola player, who is an experienced organist. Book Angela alone, or book The Bossard Quartet + Organist package for a complete wedding ceremony musical experience! (Subject to availability)
-
"Can you play outdoors?"
Yes, we are more than happy to play outdoors on fine days during the summer months. Should the weather be too cold, too windy or wet, we would have to move inside. We ask that there is some shade for us to play under to protect our instruments from direct sunlight.
-
"What venues do you play at?"
We will play everywhere and anywhere. Here's some examples of where we've played recently. As well as this list, we've also played in people's gardens, living rooms, marquees, fields etc.
- Avington Park
- Chilworth Manor
- Elmers Hotel
- Gatton Manor Golf Club
- HMS Nelson
- HMS Warrior
- Hotel Du Vin, Winchester
- Lainston House
- Larkhill, Roberts Barracks
- Manor Barn Buriton
- Marwell Zoo
- New Place, Shirrel Heath
- Norton Park Hotel
- Old Thorn Country Estate
- Osborne House, Isle of Wight
- Potters Heron Hotel
- Rhinefield House
- Royal Marines Museum, Southsea
- Solent Hotel, Whiteley
- The Rose Bowl, Southampton
- Thorney Island
- Tidworth Barracks
- Tythe Barn, Petersfield
- Winchester Guildhall
-
"What area does The Bossard Quartet cover?"
We are based in Southsea in Portsmouth. We are happy to play at events around Hampshire and West Sussex. If the event is further away we will add our travel expenses and time to the fee. Please see the Availability page.
-
"What requirements do you have regarding refreshment?"
We would be very grateful for soft drinks to be provided throughout the engagement excluding during wedding services and ceremonies.
-
"What requirements do you have regarding space and equipment?"
We need an area covering about 2.5 x 2 metres. It is preferable that we are on a flat surface with adequate light. We need 4 armless chairs in a semicircle. It is also helpful if there is a place where we are able to leave our cases during our performance.
-
"What would happen if on the day one of the quartet members was ill?"
If a member of the quartet were ill, we would make sure that we found a suitable replacement. We have a circle of deputies that play with us regularly. These proficient players stand in when one of us is on holiday or otherwise engaged so they are well rehearsed with the music and acquainted with our high standards.
-
"How do we go about getting a quote?"
To find out how much it would cost to book the quartet for your event please contact us. Each engagement is given an individual quote which takes into consideration the length of times we are booked, the travelling time and our expenses. We always build all these factors into the cost. For the most accurate quote please give as much information as possible, ie venue, timings and date.
-
"How much do you charge?"
It really depends on the booking and the location. Please get in touch to get our best price. Prices quoted are from the time we start to the end of the booking and would therefore include one or two breaks.
-
"Will you need to take breaks?"
We will need to take some breaks during the booking time. We try to time these breaks to coincide with your plans. We can let you know how many/how long the breaks would be depending on your booking time (we usually allow about 10mins per hour).
-
"How do we go about booking?"
Once you have decided you would like to book please get in touch with us with all the details (date, venue, timings etc) and your contact details. We ask for a deposit to secure your date. On receipt of the deposit your booking will be confirmed.
-
"What would happen if I cancelled the booking?"
On the very rare occasion that a client cancels the booking, we would retain all monies paid.
-
"How do we choose the music we would like?"
Take a look at our repertoire list and let us know what sorts of things you like. If you are having a wedding ceremony /service you can let us know what you would like for the key parts of the ceremony (processional, signing of the registers, hymns and recessional). If you need help choosing the music please do not hesitate to contact us.
-
"What if I want something played that is not on your repertoire list?"
We are very flexible and if you have a request for a special piece of music, please let us know!
For non-classical requests we are very willing to arrange a piece of music especially for you. This is quite a popular option amongst our clients where you can choose your favourite song to be arranged for a string quartet. Recent examples of this include arrangements of Snow Patrol: Chasing Cars, McFly: It’s all about you, The Verve: Bittersweet Symphony, Theme from Last of the Mohicans. We enjoy a challenge so if you have a song that you really like, please let us know! There may be a small fee for the arrangement.
For classical requests we will buy the sheet music for your occasion. Depending on the cost of this we may ask for a contribution.
