Frequently Asked Questions

How much do you charge?

Each individual booking has different requirements. The cost to hire a string quartet is dependent on a variety of factors, e.g. the type of the event - wedding reception, afternoon garden party, corporate event; the location of the venue and the length of time you wish us to play.

The Fidelis Quartet strives to give your guests the best possible musical experience whilst working within your budget wherever possible. Please contact us and we will be happy to discuss your requirements.

How do I secure a booking?

On initial contact, we will discuss your requirements and quote you the cost for hiring the string quartet. Initially we will make a provisional booking for your chosen date; however, to secure the booking we require a minimum £125 non-refundable deposit along with a signed Booking Contract Form.

We would advise you not to leave it too long to secure your chosen date as we receive many enquiries each month, with the summer months and festive season proving to be particularly popular.

The remaining part of the fee due can be paid either by bank transfer or cheque 14 days before the event.

How far in advance can I book The Fidelis Quartet?

There is no restriction as to how far in advance a booking is made; however, we do not keep provisional bookings indefinitely and therefore request that the deposit is paid within 30 days of making a provisional booking otherwise we cannot guarantee that we will be available to perform at your event.

Should your plans change and you need to reschedule your event, we will do our utmost to accommodate you although we cannot guarantee availability.

What geographical area do you cover?

The Fidelis Quartet is based in Banbury Oxfordshire. The majority of our performances are in Gloucestershire, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire and Warwickshire; however, we have performed as far away as Edinburgh, and therefore will happily travel all over the UK and beyond, if required. Please contact us, giving us details of the location of your proposed venue so that we may quote you for our services.

For how long do you normally play?

Flexibility is our motto and we tailor our performance to your requirements. Some events require us to play for only a short time, for example when wedding guests arrive at the reception, others require that we play a specific number of sets throughout an afternoon or evening.

Please contact us to discuss your particular event so that we may make suggestions regarding the entertainment.

Will you play outside?

The Fidelis Quartet is very happy to play outside, weather conditions permitting. Our musical instruments are our livelihood and must always be protected from the elements; therefore, we will need shade from the sun and adequate protection in case of showers. If it should start to rain whilst we are performing and we have no shelter, we must move indoors, again to protect our instruments..

What music will you play?

We have an extensive musical repertoire to suit all occasions. Whatever the event, be it an intimate gathering or a large function such as a wedding reception, we can adapt our performance to suit you. Formal or informal, lively or soothing, you choose or let us choose for you. To listen to some samples of our music please visit our music page.

What do you wear to play?

Men: Formal black and white, cream jackets or lounge suits. Ladies: Long black dresses.

What do we need on the day?

We will need four armless chairs. For outside performances there must be adequate shade or shelter from showers. Simple refreshments, such as tea and coffee, are always welcome.

What happens if one of your musicians is ill and/or unable to play?

Thankfully this very rarely happens. However, if for any reason, one of our musicians is unable to play, we have a network of accomplished musicians on whom we can call to stand in. All these artists have performed with The Fidelis Quartet previously; they are all highly experienced and talented musicians. Please be reassured that the unlikely absence of any one of our players will not adversely affect the standard of our performance at your event.