Glimmer Strings - String Quartet & Trio

This Newcastle string quartet are an experienced, professional string quartet consisting of four highly trained and dedicated musicians. Having performed together for over 10 years, the quartet has a wealth of experience when it comes to providing live music for all types of events, including weddings, corporate dinners, private events, festival performances, exhibition previews, classical concerts and recording sessions.
 
Their repertoire list is extensive and due to their eclectic musical taste is extremely varied in style, ranging from classical to pop, jazz to folk, tangos to film themes, soul, disco and even electronica. Being experienced arrangers of music, the quartet also like to provide their clients with the opportunity to hear their favourite song being performed, so if there’s a song that’s special to you and not already on their repertoire list, they can write and perform it for you. You can hear samples of their arrangements here.
 
The quartet are professional, reliable, friendly and flexible and will tailor their service to meet your individual needs. They are available to perform in Northumberland, Tyne & Wear, County Durham, Teesside, Cumbria and North Yorkshire. Engagements outside these areas will also be considered.
 
The quartet was formed in 1997 at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. Consisting of four extremely dedicated professional string players, the quartet is now one of the most established in the North. With over 13 years of experience in providing high quality live music at so many events, the quartet has built a reputation for being professional, reliable and flexible.

They play at all types of events including weddings, corporate events, arts previews, VIP receptions, private parties, graduation ceremonies, Masonic functions and banquets. They are also experienced in recording and session work.

"Lots of people commented on how good you all sounded. The photographer, who has attended lots of weddings, said that you were the best string quartet he had heard, which says a lot about your playing and talents. Once again thanks for making our day special."
Wedding Client
 

 

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Glimmer Strings - String Quartet & Trio Repertoire

Classical:

 

  • Suite no. 3 in D Bach
  • Air on the G String Bach
  • Arioso Bach
  • Wachet Auf Bach
  • Sheep May Safely Graze Bach
  • Brandenburg Concerto no. 3 Bach
  • Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring Bach
  • String Quartet no. 6 in Bb Major Beethoven
  • Ode To Joy Beethoven
  • Habanera from Carmen Bizet
  • The Toreador’s Song from Carmen Bizet
  • Minuet Boccherini
  • String Quartet no.2 Borodin
  • Hungarian Dance no. 5 Brahms
  • Trumpet Voluntary Clarke
  • Christmas Concerto Corelli
  • Clair de Lune Debussy
  • The Girl with the Flaxen Hair Debussy
  • The Flower Song from Lakme Delibes
  • O Sole Mio di Capua
  • Chanson de Matin Elgar
  • Nimrod Elgar
  • Salut d’amour Elgar
  • Serenade for Strings Elgar
  • Pavane Faure
  • Panis Angelicus Franck
  • Norwegian Melody Grieg
  • Suite from Peer Gynt Grieg
  • Wedding Day at Troldhaugen Grieg
  • The Holberg Suite Grieg
  • Aria from Xerxes Handel
  • Entrance of the Queen of Sheba Handel
  • The Water Music Suites Handel
  • Concerto Grosso no.5 Handel
  • Music from the Royal Fireworks  Handel
  • Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana Mascagni*
  • Various string quartets Haydn
  • Various string quartets Beethoven
  • Palladio Jenkins*
  • Liebestraum Liszt
  • Meditation from Thais Massenet
  • Wedding March Mendelssohn
  • Alleluja from Exultate Jubilate Mozart
  • Andante from Piano Concerto n. 21 Mozart
  • Der Vogelfanger from The Magic Flute Mozart
  • Divertimenti no. 1,2 & 3 Mozart
  • Bei Mannern from The Magic Flute Mozart
  • Barcarolle from Tales of Hoffman Offenbach
  • Infernal Galop (Can Can) Offenbach
  • Canon in D Pachelbel
  • Troika (xmas) Prokofiev
  • Nessun Dorma Puccini
  • O mio Babbino Caro from Gianni Schicci Puccini
  • Trumpet Tune Purcell
  • Bolero Ravel
  • Danse Macabre Saint-Saens
  • Con te Partiro Sartori
  • Gymnopedies no. 2 & 3 Satie*
  • Romance Shostakovich*
  • Ave Maria Schubert
  • Traumeri Schumann
  • The Blue Danube Waltz Strauss
  • Sleeping Beauty Waltz Tchaikovsky
  • Nutcracker Suite (xmas) Tchaikovsky
  • Concerto Grosso Vivaldi
  • Largo from Winter Vivaldi
  • Spring (from ‘The Four Seasons’) Vivaldi
  • Summer (from ‘The Four Seasons’) Vivaldi
  • Autumn (from ‘The Four Seasons’) Vivaldi
  • Winter (from ‘The Four Seasons’) Vivaldi
  • Wedding March Wagner
  • The Skater’s Waltz Waldteufel
  • Capriol Suite Warlock

 

Pop:

 

  • Mamma Mia Abba
  • Thunderstruck AC/DC
  • Heaven Bryan Adams
  • Make You Feel My Love Adele*
  • I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing Aerosmith*
  • Dream a Little Dream of Me Andre and Schwandt (The Mamas & the Papas) 
  • God Only Knows The Beach Boys*
  • Rasputin Boney M*
  • Drown Bring Me the Horizon*
  • F.E.A.R. (intro) Ian Brown*
  • Wuthering Heights Kate Bush*
  • Let’s Dance David Bowie*
  • Life on Mars David Bowie*
  • Tainted Love Cobb (Soft Cell)*
  • Viva la Vida Coldplay
  • Yellow Coldplay
  • You Spin Me Round Dead or Alive*
  • Young and Beautiful Lana Del Rey*
  • Annie’s Song John Denver*
  • Come On Eileen Dexy’s Midnight Runners*
  • I Just Can’t Get Enough Depeche Mode
  • Personal Jesus Depeche Mode*
  • One Day Like This Elbow*
  • Sweet Talkin’ Woman ELO*
  • Can’t Help Falling In Love With You Elvis
  • Love Me Tender Elvis
  • A Little Respect Erasure*
  • Sweet Dreams The Eurythmics*
  • Go Your Own Way Fleetwood Mac*
  • I’ll Be There Gordy (The Jackson 5)
  • Lovely Head Goldfrapp*
  • Pilots Goldfrapp*
  • Let’s Stay Together Al Green*
  • Sweet Child of Mine Guns n’ Roses*
  • Flightless Bird, American Mouth Iron and Wine*
  • Billy Jean Michael Jackson*
  • I Just Can’t Stop Loving You Michael Jackson*
  • Thriller Michael Jackson*
  • I’ll Be There The Jacksons
  • Your Song Elton John
  • Don’t Stop Believin’ Journey*
  • Somewhere Only We Know Keane
  • Stand by Me Ben E. King*
  • Sex on Fire Kings of Leon
  • Local Hero Mark Knopfler*
  • The Robots Kraftwerk*
  • Whole Lotta Love Led Zeppelin*
  • All of Me John Legend*
  • All You Need is Love Lennon & McCartney*
  • Hey Jude Lennon & McCartney*
  • Eleanor Rigby Lennon & McCartney
  • Penny Lane Lennon & McCartney
  • Funky Town Lipps Inc.*
  • Papa Don’t Preach Madonna*
  • Could It Be Magic Barry Manilow*
  • Unfinished Sympathy Massive Attack*
  • The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face MacColl (Roberta Flack)*
  • Just The Way You Are McFly*
  • Marry You Bruno Mars*
  • My Love Paul McCartney*
  • It’s All About You McFly*
  • Smells Like Teen Spirit Nirvana
  • Cars Gary Numan*
  • Songbird McVie (Eva Cassidy)*
  • I Feel Love Moroder (Donna Summer)*
  • Blue Monday New Order*
  • Listen Up Oasis*
  • Whatever Oasis*
  • Wonderwall Oasis*
  • Beethoven’s 5 Secrets One Republic*
  • Perpetuum Mobile Penguin Café Orchestra*
  • A Thousand Years Christina Perry
  • Where Is My Mind Pixies*
  • Raspberry Beret Prince*
  • Purple Rain Prince*
  • Nothing Compares To You Prince feat. Sinead O’Connor*
  • A Whiter Shade of Pale Procol Harum*
  • Baby I Love You The Ramones
  • Perfect Day Lou Reed*
  • Truly, Madly, Deeply Savage Garden*
  • Thinking Out Loud Ed Sheeran
  • Shake It Off Taylor Swift*
  • A Song for You Leon Russell (Ray Charles)*
  • Home Edward Sharp and the Magnetic Zeros*
  • Chandelier Sia*
  • Cheap Thrills Sia*
  • Samskeyti (Heima) Sigor Rós*
  • Von Sigor Rós *
  • Chasing Cars Snow Patrol*
  • Wish Fulfilment Sonic Youth*
  • Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now Starship*
  • You’ve Got the Love Candi Staton/Florence and the Machine*
  • Fields of Gold Sting*
  • Love Story Taylor Swift*
  • The Greatest Day Take That*
  • Rule the World Take That*
  • Close To Me The Cure*
  • Sunny Afternoon The Kinks
  • My Girl The Temptations*
  • Bittersweet Symphony (intro) The Verve*
  • From This Moment On Shania Twain*
  • Can’t Take My Eyes Off You Frankie Valli
  • You Raise Me Up Westlife*
  • You’re the First, the Last, My Everything Barry White*
  • My Cherie Amour Stevie Wonder*
  • Signed, Sealed, Delivered Stevie Wonder*
  • Sunny Stevie Wonder*

 

 

TV/Film and Trad:

 

  • Kissing You Armstrong (Des’ree)*
  • Goldfinger John Barry*
  • Diamonds are Forever John Barry*
  • From Russia with Love John Barry*
  • James Bond Theme John Barry*
  • Arrival of the Birds The Cinematic Orchestra*
  • Allo Allo Theme David Croft*
  • Theme from Sex and the City Cuomo*
  • Game of Thrones Ramin Djawadi
  • Jeeves and Wooster Theme Anne Dudley
  • Grease is the Word Barry Gibb*
  • How Deep Is Your Love Barry Gibb
  • How Long Will I Love You Ellie Goulding*
  • Nobody Does It Better Hamlisch (Carly Simon)*
  • A Man and A Woman Lai
  • Same Love Macklemore & Lewis*
  • Grandstand Theme Keith Mansfield*
  • Beauty and the Beast Prologue Alan Menken
  • Tale As Old As Time Alan Menken*
  • The Ecstacy of Gold Ennio Morricone*
  • Family Guy Theme Walter Murphy*
  • A Million Dreams (The Greatest Showman) Pasek & Paul*
  • Tightrope (The Greatest Showman) Pasek & Paul*
  • Concerning Hobbits Howard Shore*
  • Star Wars Theme John Williams
  • The Imperial March (Star Wars) John Williams*
  • The Throne Room (Star Wars) John Williams*
  • Superman Theme John Williams*
  • Faulty Towers Theme Dennis Wilson
  • Irish Sherry Trad.
  • Fiddle Dance Trad.
  • Molly on the Shore Trad.
  • You’re So Cool (True Romance) Hans Zimmer

 

 

Jazz/Tangos/Songbook/Musicals:

 

  • Blue Tango Anderson
  • Over the Rainbow Arlen
  • What A Wonderful World Thiele/Weis (Louis Armstrong)*
  • La Vie en Rose Gugliemi (Edith Piaf/Louis Armstrong)*
  • Close to You Bacharach
  • Say a Little Prayer Bacharach
  • Fueye…! (tango) Charlo
  • Makin’ Whoopee Donaldson 
  • Caravan Ellington
  • La vi Ilegar (tango) Francini
  • Por Una Cabeza (tango) Gardel
  • Embraceable You Gershwin
  • Love is Here to Stay Gershwin
  • Someone to Watch Over Me Gershwin
  • At Last Eta James
  • Pennies from Heaven Johnston
  • The Girl from Ipanema Jobim
  • Paragon Rag Joplin
  • The Easy Winners (rag) Joplin
  • The Folks who Live on the Hill Kern
  • When I Fall In Love Young / Heyman (Nat King Cole)*
  • Bohemia Rag Lamb
  • Moon River Mancini
  • Cafetin de Buenos Aires (tango) Mores
  • Cristal (tango) Mores
  • La Calesita (tango) Mores
  • Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye Porter
  • True Love Porter
  • Anything Goes Porter
  • Let’s Do It Porter
  • I Get a Kick Out of You Porter
  • Some Enchanted Evening Rodgers
  • Suite from Oklahoma & The Sound of Music Rodgers & Hammerstein
  • I Dreamed a Dream (Les Miserables) Schonberg
  • A Nightingale Sang in Berkley Square Sherwin
  • Moonlight in Vermont Suessdorf
  • EL 58 (tango) Varela/Nery
  • El Choclo (tango) Villoldo
  • Ain’t Misbehavin’ Waller & Brooks
  • Mr. Wonderful Weiss
  • Slippery Elm Rag Woods
  • Tea for Two Youmans
  • When I Fall In Love Young

* denotes Glimmer Strings original arrangements.

Glimmer Strings - String Quartet & Trio Feedback

This is my second time working with this quartet and I cannot recommend them enough. They play superbly, are incredibly aware of the event format and always played at just the right time. Many guests commented on atmospheric the performance was. Fantastic song repertoire, I will always be sure to work with these ladies when I'm arranging events in the region. Thank you ladies again! You are ALWAYS welcome at Belsay.

Josie Ainscough, English Heritage, Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens, Greek Event (September 2024)

The quartet was fabulous fantastic! It was a delight to have them at our event, they performed a vast array of pieces in the exact style we were after. Really added to the atmosphere of the evening. Thank you so much for helping us on this event.

Josie Ainscough, English Heritage, Belsay Hall, Northumberland, Drinks reception & project launch following long term works (September, 2023)

Thank you so much for your amazing music yesterday. We are so sorry we didn't get chance to say a proper goodbye or hello - there seemed to be so much happening. We had lots of guests comment on how great you sounded. The music around the ceremony was just perfect! We will be recommending you to others! Please pass on our thanks to the other members of the quartet. Thank you again.

Martin and Lucy , Matfen Hall, (May 2016)

We just wanted to say a huge thank you for playing at our wedding. It was all fantastic and everybody who we have spoken to after the event really enjoyed your music. In fact, we had two musicians within the congregation who were very complimentary and have asked for your details which we have passed on.

Richard & Sarah, Hipping Hall,, (June 2016)

My personal thanks to you all for your wonderful performance at our concert yesterday evening. It was excellent, not only the top class music which you played but also the way in which each of you interacted with and endeared yourselves to our audience. Hearty thanks too, from the Committee. They all send you their wishes. Following the concert, countless members of the audience came up to say just how much they’d enjoyed the evening – Glimmer Strings especially!

Stuart Eaton, Lanchester Male Voice Choir Concert, (July, 2016)

Thank you all so much for such beautifully played music at our wedding. It made a huge difference and was loved by all!

Nirvana and Tom, Wood Hall Hotel, Wetherby, Wedding (April 2018)

Thank you. It was a dream come true to have such lovely music played live on our wedding day and many of our guests commented on how much they enjoyed your music. We really hope to be able to hear you play again in the future.

Kathryn and David, Beamish Hall, (May 2018)

Sorry I didn't get a chance to thank you all after the service for the wonderful music. We hope you had a good time and enjoyed it as much as we did.

Andrew Greener, Blanchland Abbey, Co. Durham, (June 2018)

I just wanted to thank you all for the amazing job you did on Tuesday. All of the music sounded really wonderful, and thank you particularly for being so flexible regarding the arrangements for the evening. We are getting lots of emails from guests saying how much they enjoyed the event, and how special the music made it.

Sue Hurrell, Middlesbrough Town Hall Summer Banquet, (June 2018)

On behalf of Northumbria University thank you so much for performing at our Academic Congregations this year. The music was gratefully appreciated by all who attended and I have received many compliments on the variety of songs you played! Thank you, thank you, thank you hope to see you again for our Winter Congregation.

Jude Humble , Northumbria University, (Jul 2018)

Just a note to say thank you from Gavin and I to yourself and the quartet for playing at our wedding on Saturday. The music was beautiful and really made the atmosphere for the drinks reception. We had lots of lovely comments from our guests about you.

Jessica Farr, Richmond, (Aug 2018)

A huge thank you to all the members of Glimmer Strings for playing so beautifully at our wedding at Charlton Hall in August. You are extremely professional and talented musicians and our guests were very impressed. The music for the ceremony was lovely and so many guests commented on the excellent range of pieces selected for the reception. In addition, having the quartet playing outside during the photographs was fantastic, as it allowed us to appreciate your wonderful music - as well as our guests. You made our day extra special and very memorable - thank you.

Laura and Kevin, Charlton Hall, Wedding (Aug 2018)

I just wanted to thank you and the musicians who played at our wedding, it was fantastic, we got so many compliments about the quartet throughout the day. Thank you very much!! I was wondering if I could get a copy of the sheet music for Wish Fulfilment, Mark was absolutely bowled over by it, so we would like a momento to keep.

Deborah and Mark , Vermont Hotel, Wedding (Sept 2018)

I just wanted to send you an email to thank you all so much for playing at our wedding. You were absolutely amazing, stunning music and we were told all day by our guests they thought it was beautiful both in the church and the reception. We are so incredibly grateful to you all and I will recommend you to anyone. If you need any kind of review please let me know and we will be more than happy to give you the best one.

Laura Semley, St. Patrick’s Church, Sunderland then South Causey Inn, Wedding (Sept 2018)

I just wanted to say thank you very much for the wonderful music you provided us with last Friday. You were all brilliant and we have had so many lovely comments about your performance. Thank you again, we will certainly use you again for any future events we may have.

Nicky Turner, , none (Nov 2018)

Michael and I would like to thank you for the music on Thursday, it was fantastic and made our day.

Michael and Leeanne, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Nlce, (Dec 2018)

Just thought I’d drop you a line to say thank you to you and your fellow musicians for playing at our daughter’s wedding. I know we and their guests appreciated how beautifully you played their selection of music - many thanks for adding to their wedding service.

Debbie and Dan, St. Edwards Church, Whitley Bay,, Wedding (Jan 2019)

Thank you so much for performing at our wedding, you helped make our day extra special. A lot of our guests commented on your repertoire, how well you played and you helped make a wonderful atmosphere. Glimmer Strings were professional throughout the day and I have been informed by my husband you were flexible to adapt to my late arrival, keeping all the guests entertained! Fantastic and would highly recommend.

Linsey Hardy, , none (April 2018)

Many thanks to you and the quartet for the excellent programme you put together for the dinner. I had many comments about how good the music was. It really made the evening.

The British Council,

We wanted to thank you for the arrangement you had done for us. We absolutely loved it and it sounded amazing. You guys had done such a good job. Thank you for everything.

Kathryn and Ben, Wynyard Hall, (August, 2016)

We wanted to say thank you. You delivered beyond our expectations. The music was perfect. We couldn?t have asked for more. You kept in touch and made sure everything went beautifully to plan.

Angie Darling, St. Aidan?s Church then marquee, Bamburgh, , (July, 2016)

We just wanted to say a huge thank you for playing at our wedding. It was all fantastic and everybody who we have spoken to after the event really enjoyed your music. In fact, we had two musicians within the congregation who were very complimentary and have asked for your details which we have passed on. Please let us know if you would like us to write an online testimonial, we'd be more than happy to do this.

Richard & Sarah, Hipping Hall, Wedding (June, 2016)

We just wanted to drop you a line and thank you so much for all your hard work yesterday at our wedding - you all played so beautifully, and it really made such a difference to our special day.

Marissa and Kay, Preston Park Museum, Wedding (June, 2017)

The music was fantastic. The feedback from guests was unanimous. Could have sat and listened all day, just loved it. Please convey our thanks to the quartet. It was a wonderful start to our amazing day.

Estelle and Lynne, Baltic, (May, 2017)

Thank you very much for making our day that little bit more special. People really enjoyed the quality of your playing and commented how it made the service and the drinks reception more unique.

Rob and Karen, Grand Hotel, (October, 2016)

Thank you so much for your amazing music yesterday. We are so sorry we didn't get chance to say a proper goodbye or hello - there seemed to be so much happening. We had lots of guests comment on how great you sounded. The music around the ceremony was just perfect! We will be recommending you to others! Please pass on our thanks to the other members of the quartet. Thank you again.

Martin and Lucy, Matfen Hall, (May, 2016)

Thank you so much for yesterday, you were all fantastic and really really talented! I'm slightly disappointed we missed bits as we were pulled away for photos but what I did hear and what the guests said was amazing. Lots of love.

The Goodmans, Roker Hotel, (August, 2016)

Thank you so much for playing at our wedding. You were perfect xx

Laura, Bowburn Hall Hotel, Wedding (July, 2017)

Just an email to say thank you so much for playing at my wedding, the music was so beautiful, everyone has been saying it started them all off crying at the start. I'm so sad I had to take photos instead of enjoying listening to you play in the sunshine!

Hayley, Healey Barn, (July, 2017)

Just a quick note to say thanks to you and the other members of the quartet for your music on Thursday evening. I have received numerous very positive comments about your performance which hopefully will lead to more requests for your attendance at similar events.

Colin, Barnard Castle Rotary Event, (April, 2017)

Just a little note to say thank you so much for playing at our wedding on Monday, we had lots of compliments about how good the playing was. Warm wishes.

Laura, Ellingham Hall, Wedding (October, 2017)

It was a superb night, helped by the beautiful music of the string quartet. You all helped make the night a real success.

Jennings Group,

I write to thank you, on behalf of the University, for performing at the congregation reception. The music made such a difference and was greatly appreciated by all who attended.

Newcastle University,

I just wanted to say that the team were outstanding. We had so many wonderful comments about the quartet on the day and also the choice in songs. Thanks again for helping to make our wedding even more magical.

Gareth and David, Doxford Hall, Wedding (August, 2017)

I just wanted to say a huge thank you for playing at our wedding at middleton lodge on 27th Jan. myself and rebecca and the guests have all paid compliment to yourselves. It was a lovely touch to a perfect day. Thanks again

Andy, Middleton Lodge, (February, 2017)

I just want to say a big thank you to you all. The music was fab, especially our entrance songs. Everyone commented on how amazing you sounded. Can you pass my thanks on to those who played. I'll make sure I recommend you to friends for future events.

Roisin, Le Petit Chateau, (September, 2017)

I am writing to thank you and your team for the tremendous support on Friday evening. The event to raise funds for Children In Need was a great success.

Eldon Garden Shopping Centre,

Hi all, just wanted to say a huge thank you for playing at our wedding yesterday, had loads of guests saying how much they enjoyed your music and just thanks again for contributing to a truly amazing day.

John and Beverley, Judges Hotel, Wedding (May, 2017)

I just wanted to say a big thank you to you all for playing during our wedding on 2nd Sept 2017. So many guests came and told us how much they enjoyed listening to the music and it really helped to create a relaxed, happy atmosphere during the drinks reception. You were really friendly and professional and played a great variety of music including several of our favourites. We would definitely recommend you!

Zoe and Dave, The Hawkhills, Wedding (September, 2017)

We were really pleased with the String Trio on the day - the music we selected was played very well and really complimented our wedding style. Very happy with the act.

Victoria Nelson, , none (May, 2016)

We wanted to say a big thank you to you for performing at our wedding on 2 Sept 2017. So many guests came and told us how much they enjoyed listening to the music and it really helped to create a relaxed, happy atmosphere during the drinks reception. You were really friendly and professional and played a great variety of music from classical to popular songs. We would definately recommend you!

Zoe and Dave, , Wedding (October 2017)

Glimmer Strings - String Quartet & Trio Videos