Where do you perform?

Animata String Quartet is based in Melbourne and performs at weddings, private celebrations and corporate events throughout Melbourne, the Yarra Valley, Dandenong Ranges, and the Mornington Peninsula.

Should I book a quartet or a trio?

The trio is the same ensemble minus the viola part, so it's a lighter, more cost effective sound. It works well for indoor ceremonies and receptions with under about 70 guests.

For outdoor ceremonies, or any event with more than 70 guests, we recommend the full quartet. Outdoors there's no wall to reflect sound back to your guests, so the fuller quartet sound carries much further and covers the space properly. If you're not sure which is right for your day, tell us your guest count and venue type and we'll advise.

What happens if a musician is sick or unavailable on the day?

We always have a qualified substitute musician of equal or higher ability on standby, so your performance goes ahead as planned even if someone can't make it. 

Can we choose the songs, or do you choose for us?

Both. Most couples pick a handful of key moments (the entrance, signing of the register, recessional, first dance) and leave the rest to us, trusting our experience reading the room. You're welcome to browse our full repertoire list, which spans over 600 songs, including Bridgerton style orchestral arrangements of pop songs.

If there's a song you love that isn't in our library yet, we're happy to source or arrange the sheet music at no extra charge, provided we have enough lead time (see below).

How much notice do you need for song choices?

For songs already in our repertoire, we ask for your final list one week before the event. For a special request that needs sheet music sourced or a new arrangement written, we need at least one month's notice to do it justice.

What do you need from the venue on the day?

Just four armless chairs and a suitable, level space of around 3 x 2 metres. If the performance is outdoors, we also need shelter from the elements, both for our instruments and for the quality of the sound. Melbourne weather can turn quickly, so this applies even when rain isn't forecast.

Do you need power or amplification?

No, we're a fully acoustic ensemble and don't require power. If you'd like your music amplified, for a large outdoor space, for example, you're welcome to arrange this yourself.

Do you perform the whole day, or just part of it?

Most bookings cover one or two key phases of the day: for example, the ceremony, or the ceremony plus drinks and canapés. We think of a wedding as moving through distinct musical zones (arrival, ceremony, drinks, reception, dancefloor), each with its own tone, and we can perform for as many or as few of these as you'd like.

What if our event runs over the booked time?

We'd recommend booking for the maximum time you expect to need on the day. If your event does run over, additional charges apply, these are outlined in our Terms & Conditions at the time of booking.

Do you attend the wedding rehearsal?

Not typically. With many years of experience, we work from cues given by your celebrant or event coordinator on the day, so there's no need for us to attend beforehand. If you'd still like us there, this can be arranged for a fee.

How do we check availability and book?

Get in touch with your date, venue and event type and we'll confirm availability. Once confirmed, booking is simple:

1. Complete our short booking form

2. Pay a deposit to secure your date

3. We'll send an invoice covering the deposit and remaining balance

A deposit is required to secure your booking and is non-refundable, except in the case where Animata String Quartet needs to cancel. Our full terms and conditions, including our cancellation policy, are outlined in the booking form and included with your invoice. As a general guide, cancellations made well ahead of your event are treated more favourably than those made close to the date.

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Can we hear a sample of your music first?

Yes. We have a private page of sample recordings you're welcome to listen through at your own pace. We will provide you with a link when you submit your enquiry.

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How quickly will you respond to our enquiry?

As we're often out performing rather than at a desk, please allow up to 72 hours for a reply. For anything urgent, a phone call or text message is the fastest way to reach us.

Our Prices

Get in touch so we can provide you with a free quote.