Set-up and other requirements
How much space do you need?
We need approx. 3m X 3m (flat) performance space. More space than this is good! Less than this and it becomes very difficult to give you a good performance. If we are outside see below.
Can you play outside?
Yes, but only if we have adequate cover. A waterproof Gazebo 3m x 3m will usually be sufficient.
This is to protect us - and our instruments, from sun, rain and birds and tree detritus, as all can get in the way of a good performance and cause damage to the instruments.
Do I need to provide any equipment?
Just four armless chairs and adequate lighting.
What do you require in the way of food and drink?
Not much usually, but if we have traveled a long distance to be with you, or are playing for a long time, if you are able to provide us with food and drink, that would be very much appreciated.
Is there anything else I need to provide?
Parking as close to the performance area as feasible and somewhere to store musical instrument cases and bags.
How long do you need to set-up?
We usually arrive half an hour before we are due to start playing, but set up takes about 5 minutes.
What do you wear?
We normally wear smart concert clothes: all black for ladies, and DJs, white shirt and black bow tie for the gentlemen. We can also be less formal with suits and dresses, or more formal with white tie as befits the occasion.
The performance
How long do you play for?
As long as is required, with breaks to fit with your schedule. We would normally take a break after an hour or so of playing.
What about requests?
When you book us you are more than welcome to go through our repertoire and highlight music you particularly want us to play. If you can’t see your favourite, let us know well in advance and we can look into finding an arrangement.
Could you accompany Hymns or Singers?
Yes, with advance notice, (and preferably the music in the correct key).
Can you play during a drinks reception, wedding ceremony and wedding breakfast?
Yes, we regularly do this and find it works very well.
I'm having a disco for later – is this OK?
Yes, no problem, but please make sure there is enough space for both sets of equipment to be set up.
Can you play after midnight?
Generally speaking, all of our quotes are dependent on us finishing before midnight; if you want us to go on longer, there may be an additional charge. Please ask us for more information.
Booking Granada Strings
How far do you travel?
We regularly travel up to 100 miles from our base in Oxford - distance to your venue is factored into the quote
Are you insured?
We hold a £10,000,000 Public Liability Insurance policy provided by the Musicians Union. We can provide a certificate to your venue.
What do I need to do to book the quartet?
We usually ask for a 25% deposit to secure the date for you
How and when do we pay you?
Payment of remaining balance to be made either in cash on the day of performance, or 7 days in advance by BACS or cheque
The ‘small print’
Please note that it is not unusual for us to have several clients interested in the same date. We will treat all enquiries with equal priority until we have a definite confirmation from one.
Once all details of the booking have been agreed and confirmed, the agreement may not be varied except by mutual consent of both parties.
Force majeure: If in the unlikely event of illness/act of God etc we find that we are unable to perform: we have connections with a large network of other musicians and entertainment agencies across the country. We would do our best by asking them to assist in finding an acceptable replacement, but regret that we can’t guarantee that one will be found.