A Mountaintop Wedding Ceremony in Vail, Colorado: Violin and Cello Duo

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music on the Holy Cross Event Deck in Vail, Colorado, Photo by Nick Sparks

On a perfect July day, our violin and cello duo played for this heartwarming wedding ceremony on the top of Vail Mountain. It was threatening to rain, but the weather remained calm for the entire event. Guests enjoyed a scenic ride up the Eagle Bahn Gondola and then a walk or short cart ride down to the event deck. As soon as they crested the hill, they would see breathtaking views of the mountains and hear our music floating on the breeze.

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music on the Holy Cross Event Deck in Vail, Colorado, Photo by Nick Sparks

For the prelude as guests arrived, we played a mix of contemporary music and timeless older pieces that the bride selected, helping to create a romantic and joyful mood.

From the Bride:

“We had the pleasure of having Christen and her team play for our ceremony at the top of Vail Mountain and she blew us away! She is so incredibly talented and made our day so special. She even learned a new song for me to walk down the aisle to. I highly recommend her and her team to anyone in the Colorado area!” - Sara T., Bride

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music on the Holy Cross Event Deck in Vail, Colorado, Photo by Nick Sparks

The processional music built anticipation and emotion with three special song requests from the bride - “Time to Say Goodbye”, “Bittersweet Symphony”, and “Prelude to Black Sands”. The third one is the introduction to a song by Bonobo, and I hadn’t heard it before, but it was unexpectedly beautiful and emotional - the perfect choice for the bride’s walk down the aisle. After the vows, the newlyweds shared their first kiss, cued by “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”, as the joyous recessional began. The guests were filled with celebratory energy as they cheered and applauded, celebrating the couple as they made their way back up the aisle.

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music on the Holy Cross Event Deck in Vail, Colorado, Photo by Nick Sparks

Postlude Music continued the celebration as guests made their way down the gondola. We played beloved classics like “At Last” by Etta James and “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong. Guests left humming the familiar tunes as they headed off to the next part of the celebration.

Selections from the Prelude and Postlude Music:
Blackbird (Beatles), A Sky Full of Stars (Coldplay), Kiss From a Rose (Seal), Can You Feel the Love Tonight (Lion King), Unchained Melody (Righteous Brothers), What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong), Here Comes the Sun (Beatles)

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music on the Holy Cross Event Deck in Vail, Colorado, Photo by Nick Sparks

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music on the Holy Cross Event Deck in Vail, Colorado, Photo by Nick Sparks

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Time to Say Goodbye (Bocelli): Seating of the Family
Bittersweet Symphony (The Verve): Wedding Party
Can’t Help Falling in Love (Elvis): Ringbearer and Flower Girl
Prelude to Black Sands (Bonobo): Bride
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough (Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson): Recessional

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music on the Holy Cross Event Deck in Vail, Colorado, Photo by Nick Sparks

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Holy Cross Event Deck
Wedding Planner: A Touch of Bliss
Ceremony Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Violin and Cello Duo
Photographer: Nicholas Sparks

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music on the Holy Cross Event Deck in Vail, Colorado, Photo by Nick Sparks

Enjoy the Classic Elegance of the Violin and Cello.

Flute and Harp Music for a Classic Wedding Celebration at the Vue in Dillon, Colorado

Flute and Harp Wedding Music at the Vue in Dillon, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Ian Zinner Photography

On a snowy day in early March, I played flute along with my harpist for a classic wedding ceremony and cocktail hour in Dillon, Colorado. Snow was the backdrop for every significant moment in this couple’s love story, and the huge snowstorm earlier that day unexpectedly continued the tradition. The ceremony and reception were held at the Vue, which is an enclosed rooftop restaurant at the Dillon Hilton.

Flute and Harp Wedding Music at the Vue in Dillon, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Ian Zinner Photography

Flute and Harp Wedding Music at the Vue in Dillon, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Ian Zinner Photography

2024 has been all about pre-ceremony cocktails, followed by additional post ceremony cocktails. This helps guests to relax before the ceremony, and makes the event less formal and more like a relaxed celebration. Having the guests seated at the reception tables during the ceremony also added to the casual feel.

Flute and Harp Wedding Music at the Vue in Dillon, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Ian Zinner Photography

The bride chose every one of her prelude and postlude songs, and added a few new favorites. For pre-ceremony cocktails, we played a mix of classical and laid back contemporary music. For her processional, she chose Fairy Fountain from the Legend of Zelda and the traditional Canon in D by Pachelbel for her walk down the aisle. The two pieces flowed really nicely together.

Flute and Harp Wedding Music at the Vue in Dillon, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Ian Zinner Photography

The recessional music was a new song that we learned - “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” by Frankie Valli. We started at a specific place in the middle, as requested by the bride, and then we looped back to the beginning so that everyone could hear the entire piece.

Flute and Harp Wedding Music at the Vue in Dillon, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Ian Zinner Photography

Flute and Harp Wedding Music at the Vue in Dillon, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Ian Zinner Photography

For the post-ceremony cocktail hour, we played a mix of classic jazz and nostalgic contemporary music that the bride chose. The bride requested three new songs for the cocktail portion of the event, and they were “Blackbird” by the Beatles, “Bad Romance” by Lady Gaga, and “Lovely” by Billie Eilish and Khalid). These pieces, along with her other selections, added a nostalgic and jazzy feel to the reception.

Flute and Harp Wedding Music at the Vue in Dillon, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Ian Zinner Photography

Flute and Harp Wedding Music at the Vue in Dillon, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Ian Zinner Photography

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Fairy Fountain from the Legend of Zelda: Wedding Party
Canon in D (Pachelbel): Bride
Can’t Take My Eyes Off You (Frankie Valli): Recessional

Sample Selections from the Prelude Music:
Ave Maria (Schubert), Over the Rainbow (Judy Garland), Clair De Lune (Debussy, Claude), Musetta's Waltz (La Boheme), The Swan (Carnival of the Animals), Clocks (Coldplay)

 Sample Selections from the Cocktail Hour Music:
At Last (Etta James), Can’t Help Falling in Love (Elvis), You Are the Sunshine of my Life (Stevie Wonder), Imagine (Beatles), L-O-V-E (Kaempfert and Gabler), Stand by Me (Ben King), I’m Yours (Jason Mraz), Bad Romance (Lady Gaga), Lovely (Billie Eilish and Khalid), Hey Ya (Outkast)

Flute and Harp Wedding Music at the Vue in Dillon, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Ian Zinner Photography

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: The Vue at Homewood Suites by Hilton Dillon
Wedding Planner: Executive Events
Photographer: Ian Zinner Photography
Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Harp Duo

Flute and Harp Wedding Music at the Vue in Dillon, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Ian Zinner Photography

Flute and Harp Wedding Music at the Vue in Dillon, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Ian Zinner Photography

Flute and Harp Wedding Music at the Vue in Dillon, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Ian Zinner Photography

Experience the Classic Elegance of the Flute and Harp.

Flute and Harp Wedding Music at the Vue in Dillon, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Ian Zinner Photography

Flute and Harp Wedding Music at the Vue in Dillon, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Ian Zinner Photography

An Old Hollywood Inspired Wedding at the Four Seasons in Vail, Colorado: Flute and Cello Duo

Flute and Cello Wedding Music at the Four Seasons in Vail, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Cat Galletti

On a snowy day in early December, our flute and cello duo played for an old Hollywood inspired wedding ceremony and cocktail hour. As guests were arriving, we played nostalgic jazz music. Our music, along with the cozy Christmas decor, was a warm counterpart to the cold and snowy winter day.

Flute and Cello Wedding Music at the Four Seasons in Vail, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Cat Galletti

Flute and Cello Wedding Music at the Four Seasons in Vail, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Cat Galletti

The ceremony took place outdoors, and because it was in the 20’s (both the inspired era and the temperature!), we played indoors and amplified our music to the outside using my professional Bose sound system. The guests were escorted to the outdoor wedding deck at the last minute, and we played the charming processional songs that the bride chose: “Love on Top” (Beyonce) and the classic “Can’t Help Falling in Love” (Elvis).

Flute and Cello Wedding Music at the Four Seasons in Vail, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Cat Galletti

Flute and Cello Wedding Music at the Four Seasons in Vail, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Cat Galletti

After the ceremony, we segued to fun contemporary music as the guests mingled and had appetizers inside. The space was so crowded, that the wedding planner again had us play in a different room and amplify our music to where the guests were mingling. My second Bose bluetooth speaker was an easy wireless solution, and guests easily heard our music throughout the space.

Flute and Cello Wedding Music at the Four Seasons in Vail, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Cat Galletti

Flute and Cello Wedding Music at the Four Seasons in Vail, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Cat Galletti

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Love on Top (Beyonce): Wedding Party
Can’t Help Falling in Love (Elvis): Bride
Signed, Sealed, Delivered (Stevie Wonder): Recessional

Sample Music Selections from the Prelude:
Unchained Melody (Righteous Brothers), My Funny Valentine (Ella Fitzgerald), Misty (Ella Fitzgerald), As Time Goes By from Casablanca, All of Me (Ruth Etting)

Sample Music Selections from the Cocktail Hour:
Holy (Justin Bieber), You Are the Best Thing (Ray LaMontagne), Sweet Child O’Mine (Guns N’Roses), Thank You (Led Zeppelin), Here Comes the Sun (Beatles), Kiss From a Rose (Seal), Somewhere Only We Know (Keane), A Sky Full of Stars (Coldplay)

Flute and Cello Wedding Music at the Four Seasons in Vail, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Cat Galletti

Flute and Cello Wedding Music at the Four Seasons in Vail, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Cat Galletti

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Four Seasons Vail
Wedding Planner: Little Valley Weddings
Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Cello Duo
Florist: Iva and Grace
Hair and Makeup: BMC Glam
Photographer: Cat Galletti Photography
Videographer: Love Story Films

Flute and Cello Wedding Music at the Four Seasons in Vail, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Cat Galletti

Flute and Cello Wedding Music at the Four Seasons in Vail, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Cat Galetti

Experience the Nostalgic Ambience of our Flute and Cello Duo.

Flute and Cello Wedding Music at the Four Seasons in Vail, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Cat Galletti

Flute and Cello Wedding Music at the Four Seasons in Vail, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Cat Galetti

Elegant Wedding Music at the Black Canyon Inn in Estes Park, Colorado: Flute, Violin, Viola, Cello Quartet

Flute and String Quartet Wedding Music at the Boulders at Black Canyon Inn in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by J. LaPlante

On a beautiful summer day, our flute, violin, viola, and cello quartet played for an elegant and modern wedding ceremony at the Black Canyon Inn in Estes Park, Colorado. The ceremony was held in the newer event space called The Boulders at Black Canyon Inn. This is a gorgeous building with a wall that opens up completely to showcase stunning mountain views from the comfort of the indoors. As musicians, we love the lively acoustics in the room.

Flute and String Quartet Wedding Music at the Boulders at Black Canyon Inn in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by J. LaPlante

As guests arrived, our quartet joyfully welcomed them, beginning with traditional classical music, and easing into romantic and slow contemporary music as the ceremony time drew closer.

Flute and String Quartet Wedding Music at the Boulders at Black Canyon Inn in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by J. LaPlante

In the middle of the ceremony, the couple performed a time capsule unity ceremony, and they took their time as we played “Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith. This song selection delighted many of their family members, who told us later that they recognized the song and loved the sweet moment.

Flute and String Quartet Wedding Music at the Boulders at Black Canyon Inn in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by J. LaPlante

After the ceremony, we moved downstairs as guests enjoyed refreshments during the cocktail hour. We played a mix of classical and contemporary music, keeping the feel upbeat with lively Mozart Divertimentos, Coldplay songs, and other popular favorites.

Wedding Ceremony Music:
All of Me (John Legend): Seating of the Family
A Thousand Years (Christina Perri): Wedding Party, Rignbearer, Flower Girl
Can’t Help Falling in Love (Elvis): Bride
Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing (Aerosmith): Unity Ceremony (Time Capsule)
Marry You (Bruno Mars): Recessional

Sample Music from the Prelude and Cocktail Hour:
Menuet Op. 11 No. 5 (Boccherini), At Last (Etta James), Salut D’Amour (Elgar), Reign of Love (Coldplay), Diamonds (Rihanna), Divertimento in F (Mozart), Butterflies (Kacey Musgraves), Divertimento in D (Mozart), Holy (Justin Bieber)

Flute and String Quartet Wedding Music at the Boulders at Black Canyon Inn in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by J. LaPlante

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: The Boulders at Black Canyon Inn
Wedding Planner: A Touch of Bliss
Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Strings Quartet
Photographer: J La Plante
Videographer: Wolf’s Video
Dessert: The Inventing Room
Florist: The Perfect Petal
Linens and Rentals: Colorado Party Rentals
Hair & Makeup: Doris Lew
Additional Decor/Specialty Lighting: Lighting and Design by Scott

Flute and String Quartet Wedding Music at the Boulders at Black Canyon Inn in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by J. LaPlante

Our Flute and String Quartet is Sheer Elegance.

Flute and String Quartet Wedding Music at the Boulders at Black Canyon Inn in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by J. LaPlante

Flute and String Quartet Wedding Music at the Boulders at Black Canyon Inn in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by J. LaPlante

Flute and String Quartet Wedding Music at the Boulders at Black Canyon Inn in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by J. LaPlante

Flute and String Quartet Wedding Music at the Boulders at Black Canyon Inn in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by J. LaPlante

Flute and String Quartet Wedding Music at the Boulders at Black Canyon Inn in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by J. LaPlante

Flute and String Quartet Wedding Music at the Boulders at Black Canyon Inn in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by J. LaPlante

Flute and String Quartet Wedding Music at the Boulders at Black Canyon Inn in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by J. LaPlante

A Star Wars Inspired Wedding Ceremony and Reception at The Denver Botanic Gardens: Flute, Viola, Cello Trio

The Denver Botanic Gardens are my favorite wedding location because I love gardening and the natural beauty of plants and flowers! This weekend, our flute and strings trio (flute, viola, cello), had the privilege of playing at the Tropical Conservatory for this couple’s wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, and full dinner reception.

Flute and Strings Trio Wedding Ceremony and Reception Music at the Denver Botanic Gardens, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Molly Margaret Photography

Flute and Strings Trio Wedding Ceremony and Reception Music at the Denver Botanic Gardens, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Molly Margaret Photography

It was a blazing hot day, and it was even hotter inside the conservatory - probably well over 100 degrees. Thankfully, after the wedding, a few clouds moved and it cooled off a little. As the guests arrived, we welcomed them with Disney music and pop tunes. Then, for the cocktail hour, we switched to elegant classical music. Then, while the guests ate dinner, we played a mix of classical and contemporary music.

Flute and Strings Trio Wedding Ceremony and Reception Music at the Denver Botanic Gardens, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Molly Margaret Photography

The couple particularly loved Star Wars music, and I made several new Star Wars arrangements for them. They also loved Disney, jazz, and well, pretty much everything! They were fun to work with and I loved their music selections. For their first dance, we played “Across the Stars” from Clone Wars, and then for the dance with the parents, we played “A Whole New World” from Aladdin. When we saw the guests lining up with light sabers for the send-off, we knew that we had to play another Star Wars song, so we played “Darth Vaders Theme (The Imperial March)”.

Flute and Strings Trio Wedding Ceremony and Reception Music at the Denver Botanic Gardens, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Molly Margaret Photography

From the Mother of the Bride:

“The perfect garden wedding music!
Thanks so much to Christen and her trio for their wonderful performance at my daughter's wedding at the Denver Botanic Gardens in August. We couldn't be happier. They learned the music we requested (so much Star Wars!) as well as pop and big band hits. We received so many compliments from guests and the other vendors. It was the perfect musical accompaniment to the garden wedding and reception. We couldn't have asked for more.”

Flute and Strings Trio Wedding Ceremony and Reception Music at the Denver Botanic Gardens, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Molly Margaret Photography

Flute and Strings Trio Wedding Ceremony and Reception Music at the Denver Botanic Gardens, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Molly Margaret Photography

Flute and Strings Trio Wedding Ceremony and Reception Music at the Denver Botanic Gardens, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Molly Margaret Photography

Sample Music Selections:
It Had to Be You (Harry Connick Jr.), Unforgettable (Sinatra), Love is Here to Stay (Gershwin), I See Fire (Ed Sheeran), Perfect (Ed Sheeran), Stay (Dave Matthews), At Last (Etta James), What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong), A Thousand Years (Christina Perri), Marry You (Bruno Mars)

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Canon in D (Pachelbel): Family
Ice Dance from Edward Scissorhands: Ringbearer and Bride
Star Wars (Main Theme): Recessional
Across the Stars from Clone Wars: First Dance
A Whole New World from Aladdin: Father/Daughter and Mother/Groom Dance
Darth Vader’s Theme (The Imperial March) from Star Wars: Send-off

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: The Tropical Conservatory at the Denver Botanic Gardens
Live Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Strings Trio
Site Coordinator: Serendipity Catering
Photographer: Molly Margaret Photography

Flute and Strings Compliment Each Other Beautifully!

Flute and Strings Trio Wedding Ceremony and Reception Music at the Denver Botanic Gardens, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Molly Margaret Photography

Flute and Guitar Duo Event Music at the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek

Flute and Guitar Event Music at the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

I enjoyed playing my flute, accompanied by my guitarist this July for the Crown Financial/Christian Economic Forum reception and banquet. The reception was held outside on the lawn by the Beaver Creek Park Hyatt, and we played a selection of jazz and pop tunes. Since everyone was traveling in from Tennessee, we included some iconic John Denver songs to give the attendees the true Colorado mountain feel.

After the reception, we played indoors for the banquet portion of the event. We played classical music as the attendees enjoyed dinner.

Enjoy Classical and Jazz Music from our Versatile Flute and Guitar Duo.

Solo Flute French Concert at Atria in Englewood

Solo Flute Event Music at Atria in Englewood

I adore playing French music, so I was thrilled to be invited to play a concert of French music on solo flute at Atria Englewood this past week. Atria Englewood is a new and modern senior living community. On my tour of the facility, I learned that they provide the residents with pretty much every service you can imagine, and some I hadn’t even thought of! With the decline of covid, they were finally able to start having long-awaited live musical performances for the residents.

Today’s theme was France, and the residents enjoyed a selection of French desserts as I played a French concert for them. I played selections from Faure, Debussy, Saint-Saens, Bizet, and Satiie, to name a few. It was really fun to bring out sheet music that I haven’t had the opportunity to play in years, and my fingers remembered it all better than I thought they would. I learned a few new songs as well. Everyone seemed to love the concert, and I enjoyed meeting a few of the residents and hearing their wonderful stories.

Experience the Romance of Solo Flute

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Lionsgate Event Center in Lafayette, Colorado

Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at the Lionsgate Center in Broomfield, Colorado, Photo by Christen Stephens

Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at the Lionsgate Center in Broomfield, Colorado, Photo by Christen Stephens

My string quartet enjoyed playing wedding ceremony and cocktail hour music on this perfect autumn day in late September. We played romantic classical and contemporary music as guests arrived, and for the cocktail hour, we played a mix of lively classical and contemporary music to get the party started.

We just loved all the chandeliers hanging from the trees! These and other elegant touches gave the venue a really classy indoor/outdoor feel.

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Canon in D - Wedding Party and Bride
La Rejouissance - Recessional

Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at the Lionsgate Center in Broomfield, Colorado, Photo by Christen Stephens

Timeless and traditional, our string quartet is the perfect addition to your wedding celebration.

Inspire Duo Performs for "Eternal Color", Opening Night for Artist Melissa Carmon

Watch Video:

There are times in life when our dreams really do come true, and collaborating with artist Melissa Carmon to create an immersive musical and artistic experience was one of those rare moments. Melissa Carmon is an outstanding Colorado artist, and she debuted her “Stories of Saints from Antiquity” painting series at the charming Bolt Gallery in Fort Collins. The evening was an incredible success!

From Melissa:
”What can I say, Christen is an absolute dream to work with! She is not only an incredible musician, the whole process of coordinating the event was done with the utmost professionalism and polish. I had absolute assurance that everything would be ready on time, that every detail of the performance would be looked after, and that she knew exactly what she needed for the performance to be top quality. I am an artist, and Christen and Craig (co-founders of the Inspire Duo) performed throughout the opening evening at the gallery. Rave reviews poured in throughout the evening. To have live flute lent a unique beauty to the night and paired beautifully with piano. Their creativity combined with their expertise is truly impressive. The audience was captivated. Working with them is truly a pleasure!”

Watch Videos:

If you’re an artist and interested in collaborating with Inspire Duo, contact Christen Stephens:

704-275-1855
music@christenstephens.com

Craig and I of Inspire Duo performed our unique in-the-moment musical improvisations for each one of Melissa’s 12 saint paintings. We rehearsed for the show in advance to get a feel for the general musical style and mood that we wanted for each painting, but our performance at the show was completely improvised.

Watch Video:

One by one, the paintings were projected on a screen behind the stage, and Melissa introduced each one along with the saint’s historical background and a snippet of poetry. Then we briefly explained how we planned to interpret the elements of the painting musically. The room was packed the entire evening, and the guests were able to enjoy the paintings, our music, and refreshments.

Visitors had the opportunity to mingle around the room and socialize, or sit and watch our performance in the seating area at the front. We had both engaged listeners and people enjoying the music in the background as they socialized. The paintings themselves were inspired by live models, many of whom were able to attend that evening.

An Evening of Art and Jazz!

You’re Invited!

…....To an evening of color, history, music and poetry!

Mark your calendar for Friday, February 1st for a very special event featuring our very own Inspire Duo and opening night for a new series of paintings by award-winning artist, Melissa Carmon.

Melissa Carmon will be presenting her newly completed “Eternal Color - Stories of Saints from Antiquity” at the Bolt Gallery in downtown Fort Collins. Each one of Melissa’s twelve paintings will be presented along with a poem and historical background about each saint. Craig and I, of Inspire Duo, will be performing our musical interpretation of each piece!

You don’t want to miss this!

Friday, February 1st 2019
6:00pm - 9:00pm

Bolt Gallery
144 S. Mason St.
Fort Collins, CO'

RSVP: Email me at music@christenstephens.com and I’ll count you in!

Inspire Duo: Art and Music

Experience art on a whole new level!

Award-winning professional flutist, Christen Stephens, and professional pianist, Dr. Craig Woodward, will perform original musical improvisations inspired by each piece in the saints series. Each saint will have a pre-planned mood, but beyond that, each song will be one-of-a-kind and created entirely in the moment. This is a unique opportunity to hear this Denver-based duo in Fort Collins!   Listen to the Inspire Duo»

Eternal Color: Stories of Saints from Antiquity

This series explores a diversity of temperaments through the medium of portraiture.  One of the inspirations behind the series is the question of what really endures. Each figure's story differs vastly, but each influenced the development of western history.    Preview the Saints Series»

Inspire Duo Will be Performing at Twenty Brew Taphouse!

Craig and I at Inspire Duo are looking forward to expressing our musical creativity on May 20th at the Artists Being Artists event. We'll be improvising on the artwork being shown, and we'll also take suggestions from you, our friends! Artists Being Artists is a monthly showcase of local visual artists, musicians, poets, and more. The showcase happens every 3rd Sunday of the month at Twenty Brew Taphouse (in the back room). Come by and meet new folks, have some beer, and enjoy our exciting music!

Flute and Harp Duo Cocktail Hour Music at the Wellshire Event Center in Denver

This fall, my flute and harp duo was hired to play for an elegant fall dinner for the Swiss American Friendship Society. Cocktails and dinner took place at the charming Wellshire Event Center in Denver, Colorado. The Wellshire Event Center is situated on a golf course and has a quaint German feel that isn't too common in Denver.

My flute and harp delighted the guests with a mix of elegant classical, jazz, and ballads as the guests enjoyed cocktails. The room was charmingly decorated with fall decor and candles. Many of the guests were excited to have the opportunity to hear a concert harp so close up, and the beautiful instrument added the the elegance of the room. The music of my flute soared over the harp as I played well-loved melodies.

An Enchanted Evening

I'm looking forward to playing cello and flute at this Boulder Symphony event. We're playing a really great mix of classic rock, holiday, jazz music and more!

An Enchanted Evening

FRIDAY DECEMBER 8, 2017 – 5:30 - 8:30 PM

at The Highland City Club

Please join Boulder Symphony and Highland City Club for an evening filled with enchantment and magic.

Enjoy a mouthwatering buffet dinner of global flavors and the magical stylings of a Boulder Symphony chamber ensemble while mingling in the traditional setting of the historic Highland Building.

VIP tickets are available at $65, which include a gourmet buffet dinner, and 1 concert ticket to any Boulder Symphony concert this season (a $20 value).

Purchase a ticket before November 15th and get TWO Concert Tickets (a $40 value)!

Purchase VIP tickets below. A portion of all proceeds go to Boulder Symphony.

Purchase Tickets

Event Location:

HIGHLAND CITY CLUB 885 ARAPAHOE AVENUE BOULDER, CO 80302

Flute and Piano Duo at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science

Recently, my flute and piano duo played for an elegant corporate event at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Our client let us choose a mix of classical, contemporary and jazz tunes, leaving the specific music selections up to us. I enjoyed selecting tunes that would be a great fit for the event. We began by entertaining the guests with our music as they enjoyed cocktails up on the sky terrace. The hot day had cooled down to a sparkling evening and everyone enjoyed the sweeping views of City Park and downtown Denver that the terrace afforded. After cocktails, we moved inside and continued to play a mix of music for a couple more hours during the elegant candlelit dinner reception.

From the Client: This is the second time I've used Christen for a corporate event. She is a superb musician, and both times I've used her the guests commented on how wonderful the music was. I would recommend Christen without reservation. She's very prompt to respond, is very warm and friendly and professional and her music is absolutely wonderful.

Samples from our Set List: Ashokan Farewell, How High the Moon, Reign of Love (Coldplay), Clair De Lune (Debussy), Smoke Gets in Your Eyes, My Funny Valentine, Irlandaise (Bolling), Sunshine on my Shoulders, Just the Way You Are

Solo Flute Event Music in Denver, Colorado

This past weekend, I had a wonderful afternoon playing solo flute music for the Mother's Day Tea at Brookdale Senior Living Center near Denver, Colorado. I put together a fun set of music from classical to contemporary and jazz tunes. It was lovely to meet some of the residents and their families and I think that they enjoyed listening just as much as I enjoyed playing for them. As I played, the guests enjoyed dainty treats and hot tea on that beautiful sunny afternoon. Do you want more information about my elegant solo flute music for your wedding ceremony or next event? Tell me what songs and musical styles you like and I'll put together a custom music set list just for you!

Sample Music Selections from the Mother's Day Tea: Pastorale (Vivaldi), Menuet from the Notebook of Anna Magdalena Bach (Bach), Give Me Your Hand (traditional Irish), Sunshine on my Shoulders (John Denver), As Time Goes By from Cassablanca, Love Me Tender (Elvis), What a Wonderful World, Moon River

Welcome to Inspire Duo "Life Inspired Improv."

Inspire Duo is a new duo featuring the music of myself on flute and Craig Woodward on piano. We create purely improvisational music inspired by people, art and life. It was my dream to do free improvisation with other musicians for a very long time, but the opportunity hadn't presented itself until just recently. Several months ago, I was invited to a farewell moving away party for an acquaintance of mine. When I arrived, I found that I didn't know a single person in the room except for the honoree of the party, and she was deep in conversation. I walked up to the first person that I saw and introduced myself. We quickly found out that we are both musicians who love to improvise, and we were both looking for someone to improvise with. That was the unlikely beginning of Inspire Duo.

When Craig and I met for our first rehearsal, we knew that this duo was something special. We instantly clicked musically and magic began to happen. Craig and I both have extensive experience with a wide range of music from classical to jazz and numerous other styles. We found that we could create a unique blend of these styles and add our own flair to make beautiful and wildly creative music.

We began rehearsing regularly and developed a vision for collaborating with local artists in order to introduce a whole new sensory dimension to their works, both through live performances and audio recordings. Each song that we improvise starts with an inspiration - an series of descriptive words, a piece of art, another musical composition, a photo, or anything really. Beyond choosing our inspiration, we don't plan much what we will play in advance. One of us creates an initial musical idea which then takes shape as we continue to play. The music then spins from there as we communicate back and forth, building upon each musical idea and creating new ones. The great beauty of this kind of music is that we aren't stuck to written notes on a page, or even a set of chords such as on a jazz chart. We are free to develop ideas as we play and interact directly with the environment around us using music.

Stay posted for updates on our live concerts. We need your inspiration! We also accept bookings to play for social events. Email me for information on hiring us for your next party or event by clicking on "Inspire Duo" HERE.

Listen to Music Samples Here

Flute Quartet Christmas Music at the Boulder History Museum

Our Boulder Symphony flute quartet (flute, violin, viola, cello) recently played for a Santa Photo Shoot at the Boulder History Museum. The day dawned in winter chill but indoors the museum was cozy and beautifully decorated for the holidays. Guests enjoyed drinks, cookies and other refreshments as they enjoyed our musical performance. It was a charming and traditional way to ring in the holiday season and everyone left feeling a little more festive. Jolly Old Saint Nicholas Live at the Boulder History Museum Wassail Song Live at the Boulder History Museum

Flute and Harp Renaissance Music in Denver, Colorado

Flute and Harp duo Renaissance music

Recently, our flute and harp duo played for a Camelot party at Brookdale, Greenwood Village, a senior living center near Denver, Colorado. Our duo played a mix of traditional Renaissance music and music from "Camelot" the musical. We played as the guests enjoyed their food and socialized.

Selected Songs: The Simple Joys of Maidenhood from Camelot, A Scots Tune, Follow me up to Carlow, I Loved You Once in Silence from Camelot, The Ash Grove, Alamande IV, Camelot from Camelot, The Minstrel Boy, We be Soldiers Three, How to Handle a Woman from Camelot, Now is the Month of Maying

Flute and Guitar Duo Birthday Party Music at Beaver Creek, Colorado

Colorado Event and Party Music by Christen Stephens

Our flute and guitar duo had a cool and rainy drive up from Denver to Beaver Creek, Colorado on our way to play for an August birthday celebration. By the time that we arrived at the elegant private residence, the rain had stopped and the sun came out and it felt wonderful and warm. It was the perfect evening for guests to mingle outdoors during the cocktail hour. Everyone enjoyed the magnificent sunset accompanied by our music - an fun mix of classical, contemporary, and jazz tunes. After the cocktail hour, everyone moved indoors for dinner and toasts. During dinner, we played a selection of classical and soft contemporary music, and after toasts, we jazzed it up with upbeat jazz and contemporary music.

Sample Cocktail Hour Music:
Pastorale (Vivaldi), Moderato from Sonata in G (Beethoven), Everything I Do (I Do it For You), Long ago (And Far Away (Gershwin), Tango (Albeniz), Largo from Xerxes, The Ludlows from Legends of the Fall, My Way (Sinatra), Some Enchanted Evening from South Pacific

Sample Dinner and After Dinner Music:
Afternoon in Paris (John Lewis), Annie's Song (John Denver), Cheek to Cheek (Sinatra), How High the Moon (Ella Fitzgerald), Smoke Gets in Your Eyes (The Platters), What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong), You Are the Sunshine of My Life (Stevie Wonder), Take the "A" Train (Duke Ellington), Don't Get Around Much Anymore (Duke Ellington), Fly Me to the Moon (Sinatra)

Solo Flute Wedding Ceremony Music and Dinner Music in Denver

This hot day began with a beautiful cool morning, perfect for an intimate wedding ceremony at the War Memorial Rose Garden in Littleton, Colorado. This picturesque gem is located near downtown Littleton and across the street from beautiful Sterne Park. The roses were just beginning to reach peak bloom and their scent filled the air with a sweet, nostalgic perfume. As a former music major, the groom had many ideas for his music selections and I incorporated them into the prelude, postlude, and dinner music. As guests began to arrive, I played a prelude of classical and traditional Irish music on solo flute. The wedding ceremony was very simple with only immediate family and friends attending. After the wedding ceremony, I played for fifteen more minutes as the wedding party and family were photographed.

Selected Wedding Prelude Music:
Aylesford Gavotte (Handel), Pastorale (Vivaldi), Star of the County Down (traditional Irish), Banish Misfortune (traditional Irish), Shebeg and Sheemore (traditional Irish), Berceuse (Faure), The Butterfly (traditional Irish), Largo from the New World Symphony, Theme from Scheherazade (Rimsky-Korsakov), Waltz (Brahms)

Dinner was held at Maggiano's which is the couple's favorite restaurant. I began by playing some classical and Irish tunes and then switched to show, jazz, movie, and popular music. The groom made a special request that my last song be "Feeling Good", and I really enjoyed learning that wonderful classic song. The guests enjoyed drinks and appetizers while I played and when I finished, dinner was served. I was invited to join everyone for dinner and particularly enjoyed the pork and mashed potatoes and one of the best cheesecakes I've ever had.

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Wedding Party and Bride ~ Chorale from Cantata No. 140 (JS Bach) Recessional ~ Prelude from Te Deum (Marc-Antoine Charpentier)

Selected Dinner Music:
Salut D' Amour (Elgar), Vocalise (Rachmaninoff), Irish Traditional music, Entr'acte from Carmen (Bizet), The Ludlows from Legends of the Fall, What a Wonderful World, Isn't it Romantic?, Some Enchanted Evening from South Pacific, (Everything I Do), I Do it For You from Robin Hood, The Way You Look Tonight, As Time Goes By from Casablanca, Cheek to Cheek, Feeling Good from The Roar of the Greasepaint - The Smell of the Crowd

Wedding Vendors:
Wedding Venue: War Memorial Rose Garden in Littleton
Dinner Venue: Maggiano's in Englewood
Wedding Ceremony and Reception Musician: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Solo Flute