I can't recommend GR String Quartet enough if you're looking for live music for your wedding ceremony and/or cocktail hour! They were so communicative and easy to work with, and the string duo was incredibly talented. They made our ceremony feel so special and really set the tone for the day. They even learned my favorite Rihanna song so I could walk down the aisle to it :)
Natalie B.
5.0
Thank you so much for making our wedding so special. It was perfect and we also had so many compliments from the guests on the music. We booked Grand Rapids String Quartet for both the ceremony and the cocktail hour, and it was amazing.
Alix G.
5.0
About this vendor
Darren Chan
VIOLIST/MANAGER
Typically responds within 24h
The Grand Rapids String Quartet is an ensemble in Grand Rapids, MI, dedicated to performing at the highest artistic standard, delivering dynamic and engaging performances for a wide range of occasions, such as weddings. With a passion for the timeless beauty of chamber music, we aim to make this genre both accessible and relevant to all audiences, whether through intimate recitals or personalized music for weddings and special events.
Proudly serving the greater West Michigan area, we specialize in creating unforgettable experiences by offering exceptional live music tailored to the unique atmosphere of each occasion. We are highly adaptable and versatile, skilled in performing a variety of styles and fulfilling special requests to ensure that every event is personalized. We take pride in our professionalism, prompt communication, and friendly service, while fostering a vibrant cultural scene through regular performances that inspire and deepen the appreciation of classical and contemporary music.
We happily provide elegant music for ceremonies, cocktail hours, and even dinner receptions. Each of our members has an average of 10 years of wedding and event experience. You can tailor your ensemble size to fit your vibe and budget by offering duo, trio, and quartet ensemble sizes.
Our extensive repertoire list includes music of all genres. Including:
Classical
Pop
Broadway
Traditional folk
Tango
Christmas
If there is a special song you would like us to play, we will also write out special arrangements to make your favorite song come to life with the sound of strings.
We are primarily a recital quartet, meaning it is our mission and our passion to play masterworks at the highest level. That means even when we play your favorite pop, Broadway, classical, or any other genre selections, we always bring our best to the table.
Darren Chan is a violist, chamber musician, and educator dedicated to fostering excellence in both performance and teaching. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Viola Performance from the University of the Pacific Conservatory of Music and a Master’s degree in Violin Performance from Western Michigan University.
Darren currently serves as Principal Violist of the Lansing Symphony Orchestra and frequently performs with other local orchestras. He appears frequently as a guest artist and soloist with the Calvin Community Orchestra and is passionate about community, outreach, and education, often collaborating with local community orchestras. His artistry extends to educational outreach, where he is invited to teach at local schools in addition to leading his private studio of violin and viola students.
Elise Smith
Violinist
Elise Smith is a teacher and performer who values the expressive and collaborative nature of music. She holds a masters degree in violin performance from the University of Oklahoma and a bachelor's degree in music education from Calvin University. After graduate school, she taught middle school choir and mariachi in Oklahoma, then orchestra, private string lessons and children’s choir in Michigan. She enjoys performing in Fountain Street Church services, Plymouth Chamber Players recitals, and a wide variety of festivals, weddings, and other events.
Ashley Grace Davies
Violinist
Ashley Grace Davies is a passionate violinist who has been pursuing music since she was 4 years old. Ashley Grace served as concert master for the Grand Valley State University Orchestra for 3 years and has continued to enjoy playing since completing her undergraduate degree. She has been featured as a guest soloist for the Vintage Parlor Orchestra and has played for many venues and groups in the area. When she is not playing the violin, she works as a biostatician and enjoys nature through backpacking trips around the country.
McCormack Wyn
Cellist / Coordinator
McCormack Wyn began learning the cello at the age of fourteen. He studied cello with Karen Krummel in high school and with Horacio Contreras and Pablo Mahave-Veglia during his undergraduate years. McCormack is the Associate Principal Cellist for Holland Symphony, and he often plays for Grand Rapids Civic and Circle Theaters, other local orchestras, and other, nontraditional venues. McCormack teaches private lessons at the Ada Conservatory of Music and loves to share his joy for classical music and birds with others, pointing out how the beauty of art and the natural world reflects the goodness of God.
Reviews
5.0
out of 5.0
9 reviews
Your trust is our goal. Our community relies on honest reviews to help
you make those big decisions with ease.
Review Summary
This AI-generated summary is a snapshot of this vendor's ratings and feedback.
Grand Rapids String Quartet provided beautiful, professional live music that set a magical tone for ceremonies and cocktail hours. They were communicative, easy to work with, and accommodated special requests with custom arrangements. Guests repeatedly praised the performance and many highly recommended them.
Jenna S
Highlighted review.
5.0
I’m so happy we can chose this group to provide music for our wedding ceremony! They were so easy to work with and very communicative. Their pricing is competitive and they made th...
e whole ceremony so magical. The group is incredibly talented and I’d recommend them to anyone who’s looking for live musicians!
Natalie B
5.0
I can't recommend GR String Quartet enough if you're looking for live music for your wedding ceremony and/or cocktail hour! They were so communicative and easy to work with, and th...
e string duo was incredibly talented. They made our ceremony feel so special and really set the tone for the day. They even learned my favorite Rihanna song so I could walk down the aisle to it :)
Any questions?
Alix G
5.0
Thank you so much for making our wedding so special. It was perfect and we also had so many compliments from the guests on the music. We booked Grand Rapids String Quartet for both...
the ceremony and the cocktail hour, and it was amazing.
Dora F
5.0
The String Quartet was simply beautiful and added such a lovely touch to my daughter's wedding. They are a very talented and professional group of musicians, and I would highly rec...
ommend!
Audrey U
5.0
We were so happy to have 2 talented members of the Grand Rapids String Quartet (Darren and Carson) play at my wedding! The communication leading up to the wedding day was smooth an...
d the string music was played beautifully, which set the perfect tone for a storybook wedding 🎻
Elizabeth M
5.0
The Grand Rapids String Quartet played for my daughter’s wedding and they were fabulous. The music was beautiful and they played seamlessly through 30 minutes of prelude, processio...
nals, and recessional music. They have a wide repertoire of the classics and contemporary selections. My daughter had a couple of requests outside of their list and they were happy to accommodate. They are very professional and I would highly recommend them.
Dianne V
5.0
The Grand Rapids String Quartet did an outstanding job at our wedding reception! They created amazing custom arrangements for us to highlight our special day and they were very car...
ing and professional! Our guests commented on how wonderful the music was and how it complimented our event. We would highly recommend them for any occasion! Thank you for an excellent job!! -Dianne and Gary
nora l
5.0
Highly recommend them. They were very helpful in the planning process and quick to respond to any questions or requests. They are talented musician that added a bit of magic to our...
wedding ceremony.
Jennifer B
5.0
Phenomenal experience from my first conversation with Darren to their beautiful performance at my son’s wedding. It was what everyone talked about the morning after. Absolutely bea...