Business Details
23 Years
experience
Premier String Quartet for Weddings & Corporate Events in Belfast
Established in Belfast in 2003, Arco String Quartet has become one of Northern Ireland's leading professional string ensembles. Founded by husband-and-wife team Clare and Richard Hadwen, our quartet combines classical excellence with innovative arrangements spanning jazz, pop, and rock genres. With decades of collective experience performing globally alongside prestigious orchestras, we bring unparalleled artistry to weddings, corporate events, and private functions. Our bespoke musical consultancy ensures every client's vision is realised through tailored repertoire selections, including custom arrangements for unique requests.Equipped with state-of-the-art sound systems, we guarantee flawless acoustics whether providing subtle background ambiance or dynamic stage performances. Recognised for our versatility and professionalism, we have performed at high-profile venues ranging from Stormont Buildings to Claridge's Hotel in London. Our international touring experience across four continents informs our ability to adapt to diverse cultural contexts while maintaining the highest standards of presentation and service.
Services
Wedding Ceremonies
Corporate Events
Private Parties
Recording Sessions
Live Performances
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- Established in 2003 with 20+ years of collective experience
- Versatile repertoire spanning classical, jazz, pop and rock genres
- International performance experience across four continents
- Free bespoke music consultancy service for event personalisation
- Professional-grade sound systems for optimal acoustic performance
What people say
Outstanding performance
Perfect atmosphere
Highly professional
Captivated guests
Special day
Services
Wedding Ceremonies
Arco String Quartet elevates wedding ceremonies with bespoke musical arrangements tailored to each couple's preferences. From classical processions to contemporary love songs, our performances create romantic atmospheres that guests remember. We offer complimentary consultations to help couples select pieces that reflect their personal style, including special arrangements for unique requests. Our experience spans religious and civil ceremonies across Ireland, ensuring flawless execution whether providing traditional church music or innovative acoustic interpretations.
Corporate Events
Enhance corporate functions with our sophisticated musical performances designed to impress discerning audiences. We specialise in creating elegant ambiances for product launches, award ceremonies, and business dinners through carefully curated playlists that blend classical sophistication with modern accessibility. Our versatility allows seamless transitions between background music and featured performances, while our professional-grade sound systems ensure optimal audio quality in any venue. With experience entertaining at embassies and government buildings, we understand the unique requirements of high-profile business events.
Recording Sessions
Leverage our technical expertise and rich tonal quality for professional recording projects across multiple genres. The quartet has extensive experience in studio environments, having contributed to film scores, television soundtracks, and commercial music releases. Our adaptability allows us to interpret diverse musical styles from traditional classical recordings to innovative arrangements for contemporary artists. We bring the same meticulous attention to detail and artistic excellence to every session, whether producing standalone tracks or complementing existing compositions with our signature string arrangements.
Live Performances
Deliver captivating live performances that showcase our technical mastery and artistic creativity at private parties and public events. Our dynamic stage presence engages audiences through eclectic programming that spans centuries and genres, from Baroque concertos to modern pop arrangements. We offer flexible configurations including standard quartet formations and special collaborations with guest artists. Our professional equipment ensures consistent sound quality in both intimate venues and large spaces, while our extensive repertoire guarantees fresh programming for repeat engagements.
Custom Arrangements
Transform any musical piece into a bespoke string quartet arrangement tailored to specific event requirements. Our composers and arrangers specialise in adapting contemporary songs, traditional folk melodies, and niche genre pieces while preserving their emotional essence. This service caters to clients seeking unique musical touches for special moments, whether recreating a couple's favourite pop song for a wedding or developing thematic motifs for corporate branding. Our technical proficiency ensures complex adaptations maintain playability without compromising artistic integrity.
People
Clare Hadwen
Founder & Violinist
Clare Hadwen co-founded Arco String Quartet after serving as principal violinist with The Ulster Orchestra. With conservatory training in England and performance experience across four continents, she brings technical mastery and artistic vision to every engagement. Her leadership ensures the quartet maintains its reputation for excellence.
Richard Hadwen
Founder & Violist
Richard Hadwen established Arco String Quartet alongside his wife Clare, drawing on his extensive orchestral experience with ensembles like The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. His expertise in arranging contemporary pieces for string quartet forms the foundation of the group's eclectic repertoire and innovative musical approach.
Questions
What types of events does Arco String Quartet perform at?
We specialise in weddings, corporate functions, private parties, and recording sessions. Our versatile repertoire suits religious ceremonies, civil weddings, product launches, gala dinners, and private celebrations.
Can you play non-traditional or modern music?
Yes, our repertoire includes jazz, pop, rock, and film scores alongside classical pieces. We regularly arrange contemporary songs for string quartet, adapting everything from Queen to Ed Sheeran for live performances.
Do you provide sound equipment for larger venues?
We have professional-grade PA systems for amplification when required, ensuring optimal sound quality in large spaces while maintaining the natural acoustic character of our instruments.
How far in advance should I book your services?
We recommend booking 6-12 months ahead for weddings and major events, though we can accommodate shorter notice requests when availability permits. Early booking ensures your preferred date is secured.
Can you perform outdoors?
Yes, we regularly perform at outdoor ceremonies and events. We use weather-resistant equipment and take special precautions to protect our instruments while maintaining performance quality in open-air settings.
Do you offer music consultations for event planning?
Yes, we provide complimentary music consultancy to help clients select pieces that match their event's atmosphere, including custom arrangements and special musical requests for significant moments.
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