As well as embracing the standard string quartet repertoire of the Great Composers, right from its inception 20 years ago, the Dennison String Quartet started to arrange the popular music that they were brought up with, for string quartet. A bizarre concept? Popular music played by what is essentially a classical music medium?
The ‘Beatles’ were one of the first bands to use the string quartet in their music, and it sounded great! We thought “We love playing in string quartets, and we love pop music. If we like it, other people might like it too!” And they did. We started incorporating more pop music into the gigs we played at, and people started to tap their toes.
A match made in heaven! The quartet now has a set list of over 3000 pieces! We went one step further and arranged classical pieces of music, like opera, piano pieces and orchestral music for string quartet. Even though we have been playing together for 20 years, we never get bored, and neither do the audience, because they keep coming back for more. We feel privileged in the quartet to be doing what we love for a living, and I think this enthusiasm shows, and people love it. We play Bach, Beethoven and Mozart, and we mix it up with some Oasis, Status Quo, Beach Boys and Queen.
Whatever your event is, we can tailor it to your needs. If you request a piece that we do not have, all is not lost, we can arrange it for you! Your wish is our command! We have taken this process one step further. We have joined forces with one of Belfast’s finest guitarists, Tommy Locke, otherwise known to his friends as Django. To those of you in the know in the Jazz scene, Tommy’s name will be familiar. He is one of the stars in the Gypsy/Jazz group ‘Blue Jar’, and a member of the ‘Panama Jazz Band’. He has been involved in a wide range of music in his career, such as country, rock and jazz, and has toured extensively throughout Ireland, France, America and Canada with Roly Daniels. Tommy has made many recordings for tv and radio, not to mention 8 albums! Tommy adds a new and exciting element to the quartet, which really gives kick to the pop numbers, and real beauty and tranquillity in the quieter numbers with the acoustic guitar. As far as we are aware this is a unique instrumental combination.
Why don’t you see for yourself, and watch some of our videos with Tommy. There is no going back to a regular quartet, once you catch the bug. There are 4 main aspects of our work in the Dennison String Quartet: 1) Weddings/Civil weddings 2) Corporate Events/Private parties/Charity Events 3) Public Performances 4) Session Recording/TV/Radio 1) WEDDINGS/CIVIL WEDDINGS Since the quartet was founded in 1987, we have specialised in providing music for weddings. We can play at the ceremony, the reception, or frequently play at both. Because of the huge repertoire that we have built up in our 20 years of playing together, we can suit any musical requirement, and are happy to offer advice when requested.
As well as offering beautiful music played to a high standard, we pride ourselves on offering a complete professional service. We appreciate that weddings can be very stressful, and we endeavour to make your day as streamlined as possible in regard to our appearance, our punctuality, and being courteous and accommodating. Last, but not least, we have learnt through years of experience how to negotiate our way in a streamlined way through the different junctures of the ceremony, which should not be taken for granted. Hundreds of couples over the years have chosen the services of the Dennison String Quartet, and often take the time to tell us afterwards that they are glad that they did.
