Violin and Cello Duo for Hire London
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Clients include Knight Frank, Netflix, Aston Martin, Coutts, Corinthia Hotel, Financial Times, Samsung, Adidas, Virgin Music and Warner Bros Discovery.
Violin and Cello Duo in London
Our violin and cello duo is one of London’s most in-demand options for live string duo hire, combining elegance, warmth and versatility in a compact formation.
With just violin and cello, the sound is rich, expressive and beautifully balanced, making it ideal for weddings, corporate events, drinks receptions and intimate celebrations where space, style and atmosphere all matter.
Kara Strings’ musicians are conservatoire-trained professionals who perform regularly with leading orchestras including the London Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Philharmonia, with appearances at venues such as the Royal Albert Hall, Barbican Centre and Southbank Centre. The same level of artistry you hear on those stages is what you can expect at your event.
Whether you are looking to hire a violin and cello duo for your wedding ceremony, book a string duo for a corporate event, or create a refined musical backdrop for a private celebration, we tailor every performance to your occasion.
We are based in London and available for hire across the UK and internationally.
Watch our string duo
String Duo for Weddings
A violin and cello duo is the perfect choice for every moment of your wedding day, particularly for intimate weddings and smaller venues where space, atmosphere and sound balance all matter.
We perform across three key parts of the day:
Arrival and Pre-Ceremony — soft, welcoming music as your guests arrive and take their seats.
The Ceremony — including the bridal entrance, signing of the register, and exit. We time the entrance precisely to your walk for a seamless moment.
Drinks and Dinner Reception — a curated mix of classical, pop and modern arrangements to keep the atmosphere elegant, warm and conversational.
Corporate String Duo Hire
A violin and cello duo adds a subtle elegance to corporate events, creating live music that enhances the atmosphere without taking over the room. The two-piece setup works well in venues of all sizes and fits easily around speeches, networking and dining.
We regularly perform for drinks receptions, award dinners, product launches, gala evenings, conferences and private events. The music creates a calm, stylish background that keeps conversation flowing. Our repertoire includes classical music, film scores and popular modern songs, so we can match the tone of your event.
Kara Strings has performed for clients including Netflix, Samsung, Aston Martin, Coutts, Knight Frank, Adidas and Warner Bros. Discovery, at venues such as Claridge’s, The Dorchester, Corinthia and The Ned. We arrive early, set up quietly and follow your schedule so everything runs smoothly.
Why Choose a Violin and Cello Duo
Over a String Quartet?
A violin and cello duo and a string quartet both bring live strings to your event. The right choice usually comes down to your space, budget and the atmosphere you want to create.
A violin and cello duo combines the bright expressive sound of the violin with the warm rich tone of the cello. Together they create a surprisingly full and balanced sound despite the smaller line up. It is an elegant and intimate option that works particularly well for smaller venues wedding ceremonies and drinks receptions where a quartet can feel too large.
A string quartet with two violins viola and cello offers a fuller more layered sound that suits larger spaces and more formal settings. It is the traditional choice for couples looking for a more orchestral feel.
For many events a violin and cello duo strikes the perfect balance. It offers refined live music an elegant visual presence and a more cost effective option than a quartet without compromising on musical quality. If you are unsure which option is right for your event we are always happy to advise.
Other Ensembles
A violin and cello duo is one of our most popular choices, but it’s not the only way to bring live strings to your event.
Depending on your space, budget and the atmosphere you’re after, you can also book us in a range of other line-ups.
Repertoire
From Bach and Vivaldi to Coldplay, RAYE and Bridgerton favourites, our repertoire spans classical, pop, film and TV, jazz, and Bollywood and South Asian music over 650 songs!
Whether you are looking for a romantic classical piece for your ceremony, modern songs for your drinks reception, or a touch of Bridgerton-style elegance, we have something to suit every moment.
The violin and cello duo works especially well for music built around melody and harmony, such as cinematic themes, romantic classics and modern songs arranged for two instruments. Every booking also includes one complimentary custom arrangement, so if you have a special song for your aisle walk or first dance, just let us know.
what makes us different
Why Choose Our String Duo?
Modern, Stylish, Professional
A young, polished duo that brings a contemporary edge to live strings. Refined enough for the ceremony, relaxed enough for the reception.
World-Class Musicians
Our violinists and cellists perform regularly with leading UK orchestras including the London Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Philharmonia and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, on stages such as the Royal Albert Hall, Barbican Centre and Southbank Centre.
Elite Musical Training
All musicians are graduates of leading UK conservatoires, including the Royal Academy of Music, Royal College of Music and Guildhall School of Music & Drama.
Exclusive Repertoire
We perform bespoke arrangements written specifically for violin and cello, creating a full and rich duo sound. Every booking also includes one complimentary custom arrangement.
Fast & Friendly Communication
Clear, quick replies from first enquiry through to your event, with a simple and supportive booking process.
Effortless Booking
No paperwork or complications. You confirm your date with a short booking form and secure it with a deposit, all handled online.
Client Testimonials
Don’t just take our word for it
FAQ
How do I book your violin and cello duo and what is the booking process?
It is a simple, paperwork-free process. Once we have confirmed availability for your date, we will send a short booking form to complete and confirm your details.
We then issue an invoice for a 25% deposit. Your date is secured once the deposit has been paid. The remaining balance is due 21 days before the event.
For bookings made within three weeks of the event, full payment is required upfront. We accept bank transfer and credit card (a 2% fee applies to card payments).
How much does it cost to hire a violin and cello duo for my wedding or event?
Our violin and cello duo starts from £490, one of our most popular choices for intimate weddings, ceremonies and smaller celebrations. Final pricing depends on performance length, location and date, so each event is quoted individually.
We perform throughout London, across the UK and internationally, with travel included in your tailored quote. Send us your date and venue and we will reply with a personalised quote within 24 hours.
Is a violin and cello duo the same as a violin and cello duet?
Yes. They are the same thing. Duo is the term musicians tend to use for the ensemble itself, while duet is more often used for music written for two instruments. Most people use them interchangeably, so whether you search for a violin and cello duo or a violin and cello duet for your wedding or event, you are in the right place.
What is the difference between a violin and cello duo and a string quartet?
A violin and cello duo is a two-piece ensemble featuring violin and cello, offering an elegant and intimate sound that suits smaller venues, ceremonies and receptions.
A string quartet includes two violins, viola and cello, creating a fuller and more layered sound that works best in larger spaces and more formal settings.
The duo is a more affordable option and works beautifully where a quartet may feel too large for the space. If you are unsure which option is right for your event, we are happy to advise.
How much space do you need?
Very little. We comfortably fit into most spaces, and as a guide, around 2m by 2m is usually perfect.
We can adapt to tight corners, marquees, gardens and smaller venues with ease. We just ask for a level, dry surface, and shade if we are performing outdoors.
Can you perform outdoors?
Yes, we regularly perform outdoors for ceremonies and drinks receptions. We do require cover from direct sun and rain, as both can affect the instruments and tuning. A gazebo or marquee work perfectly.
Do you provide your own equipment?
For most acoustic performances, no amplification is needed as the instruments carry naturally.
For larger spaces or where additional sound support is required, we can provide a PA system for an additional charge. We will always advise what is best for your venue when you book.
How long do you perform for?
Our performance time is completely flexible and depends on your event.
We can perform a single set, multiple sets across your day, or longer bookings. Some couples also book us for different parts of the day, including the ceremony, drinks reception and dinner.
We will tailor the timings to your schedule and include everything clearly in your quote.
Can we choose the music or request a specific song?
Absolutely. You can choose music from our repertoire list, and we include one complimentary custom song request with every booking, as long as the sheet music is available.
This is ideal for a special piece for your aisle walk or first dance. Additional requests can be arranged for a small fee.
Do you play Bollywood and Asian wedding music?
Yes. Asian weddings are a big part of what we do. Our violin and cello duo performs custom-arranged Bollywood and South Asian music, ideal for Mehndi nights, Nikah ceremonies and drinks receptions where you want live strings without a larger ensemble.
You can also explore our Bollywood Ensemble for a wider repertoire.
Where are you based and can I hire you for a destination event?
We are based in London but perform across the UK and internationally. We regularly play at destination events throughout Europe.
Travel costs apply, and booking early helps keep them lower. We are also happy to advise on travelling with instruments.
Do you have Public Liability Insurance?
Yes. We hold full Public Liability Insurance covering up to £10 million, which meets the requirements of most venues. A certificate can be provided on request.
When should we book?
As early as possible. Popular dates, especially Saturdays in peak wedding season, often book months in advance.
Once your date and venue are confirmed, it is worth getting in touch to secure your booking. We do take last-minute bookings, so it is always worth asking.
What happens if a musician is unwell on the day?
If a musician becomes unwell or an emergency occurs, we will provide a professional replacement of the same standard so your performance can go ahead as planned.
This is one of the advantages of booking through an established ensemble rather than individual freelancers.