Would you like live music for your wedding, baptism or memorial service? We would be delighted to perform for you and create moving, memorable moments. You can choose the instrumental line-up — piano, cello and, if desired, a singer — and select the pieces that mean the most to you.
Irina is a classically trained pianist and organist. On request, she can perform classical pieces on the piano or church organ.
In most churches, we perform acoustically. For congregations of 50 people or more, we recommend discussing whether a sound system would be helpful.
Music is a wonderful way to express emotion, which is why it plays such an important role on your wedding day. The right musical accompaniment shapes the atmosphere and brings out the romance and joy of the occasion.
Live music sets the mood
A skilled singer or a piano and cello duo can provide beautiful accompaniment to your wedding ceremony. Whatever you choose, make sure the performers are experienced and confident in their craft. Musicians who regularly perform at weddings will usually offer a varied repertoire and may be able to prepare your favourite song especially for your ceremony.
Our tip: Listen to the musicians beforehand, either live or through a recording. Arrange an initial conversation to get to know them and discuss your musical wishes, so you know what to expect on the day.
Hymns for a church wedding
Would you like the organ to accompany your entrance? Our pianist is also an organist. Together, you can choose suitable pieces for your wedding. If you wish to bring your own musicians, discuss the arrangements with the officiant. Some churches also allow recorded music to be played quietly through a sound system. For singing during the ceremony, you could involve the church choir, a solo singer or a talented guest.
How many pieces should you plan? There is no fixed rule: it depends on the structure of your ceremony and your preferences. Traditionally, music is played for the entrance, after the marriage ceremony and for the recessional . If you choose recorded music, appoint someone to play each piece at the right moment.
Popular songs to sing together
Invite your guests to take an active part in the ceremony by choosing familiar songs that you can sing together . Agree on suitable pieces with the officiant. Not every pop song is appropriate for a church service, although gentle ballads are often welcomed. A choir can help encourage everyone to join in. A shared song can be a beautiful way to conclude a moving ceremony.
Our tip: Create a personalised order of service with the song lyrics, readings and sequence of the ceremony. It will also give your guests a lovely keepsake.
A surprise performance by guests
Are you attending a wedding, do you sing or play in a band, and would you like to surprise the couple with a performance? Such a personal gift can become a lasting memory. Coordinate it beforehand with someone who knows the wedding schedule, such as a parent or a member of the wedding party. On the day, also agree with the person responsible for the music when you can use the equipment and what you need to bear in mind.
Music during the wedding reception
After the ceremony, music continues to shape the celebration. Think about the atmosphere you would like to create and how to keep your guests enjoying the evening. Would a live band or a DJ be the best choice for dancing? A varied programme can appeal to different tastes. Recommendations from friends and family can help you find experienced wedding musicians.
Highlights from our repertoire:
Wedding March from A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy
Bridal Chorus from Lohengrin: Richard Wagner
Canon in D major: Johann Pachelbel
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring: Johann Sebastian Bach
Arrival of the Queen of Sheba: Georg Friedrich Händel
Hallelujah: George Frideric Handel or Leonard Cohen
Prelude in C major: Johann Sebastian Bach; Ave Maria: Bach–Gounod
Air: Johann Sebastian Bach
Ave verum corpus: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Air from Orchestral Suite No. 3: Johann Sebastian Bach
Arioso: Johann Sebastian Bach
The Swan: Camille Saint-Saëns
Ave Maria: Franz Schubert or Johann Sebastian Bach
A thousand years: Christina Perri
You Raise Me Up: Josh Groban
Morning has broken: Cat Stevens
Amazing Grace: Gospel
All of Me: John Legend
Can’t help falling in love: Elvis Presley
Various preludes by Johann Sebastian Bach (BWV 541, 553, 556 and others)
Ave Maria: Piazzolla
O happy day: Edwin Hawkins
Largo (from Xerxes): G. F. Händel
Toccata in D minor: Johann Sebastian Bach
Air in F major: Georg Friedrich Händel
Love me tender: Elvis Presley
All you need is love: The Beatles
Love of my life: Queen
Circle of life: Elton John
Liebestraum: Liszt
Can you feel the love tonight: Elton John
Your song: Elton John
The power of love: Jennifer Rush
Fields of gold: Sting
I Will Always Love You: Whitney Houston
One moment in time: Whitney Houston
You Are The Sunshine Of My Life: Stevie Wonder
You’ll Be in My Heart: Phil Collins
Somewhere Over the rainbow: Harold Arlen
Circle of life: Elton John
Without you: Mariah Carey
Have I told you lately: Rod Stewart
If you don’t know me by now: Simply Red
What a wonderful world: Louis Armstrong
You’ll Be in My Heart: Phil Collins
Perfect: Ed Sheeran
Thinking Out Loud: Ed Sheeran
Imagine: John Lennon
Here Comes The Sun: The Beatles
Here, there and everywhere: The Beatles
La-la Land, Mia & Sebastian’s Theme: Justin Hurwitz
Love story: Francis Lai
Beauty and the beast: Alan Menken
Song from a Secret garden: Rolf Løvland
With or Without You: U2
My heart will go on: Celine Dion
Moon river: Henry Mancini
Hello: Lionel Richie
Angels: Robbie Williams
La vie en rose: Louiguy, Édith Piaf
Feather Theme: from « Forrest Gump »
River Flows in You
Romeo and Juliet
Right Here Waiting: Richard Marx
Love’s Divine: Seal
I don’t wanna miss a thing: Aerosmith
Everything I do: Bryan Adams
She’s the one: Robbie Williams
Wonderful tonight: Eric Clapton
ABOUT US, PIANOCELLO:
Pianist and composer Irina Grebaus and cellist Sandi Toka Nova have performed together as a duo for many years. Both trained in classical music at an advanced level. Their repertoire brings together popular melodies, film music, jazz standards, bossa nova and well-known classical works.
Author: C.Weidemann