Pachelbel's Canon in D - Wedding Ceremony Music

Canon in D is a beloved wedding song and perhaps most requested by brides today, and for good reason. It is beautiful and elegant, and can be played with a number of different instruments. It was originally written by German composer and organist, Johann Pachelbel during the Baroque period. He wrote it as a Canon which doesn't refer to the weapon that was used in battle, but a round. Canon in D begins with a simple bass line that is carried throughout the piece while the melody voices are layered in one by one, each one imitating the first voice. It was originally written for three violins and continuo, but today we play it with just about every instrument combination available. If you love Pachelbel's Canon in D and would like us to play it at your wedding ceremony, visit my weddings page for more information on our services.

Helpful hints if you want Pachelbel's Canon in D played at your wedding ceremony:

- For brides who want to walk down the aisle to Canon in D, I suggest that you wait for the song to play for a few seconds before beginning your walk and then take your time and enjoy the moment. The Canon starts with a solo cello and slowly then unfurls like a rosebud until it reaches its full glory over a minute into the song.

- If you want to have Canon played for your wedding party instead, it is certain to be long enough even if you have a lot of attendants. The entire song is about 5 minutes long and is easy to repeat if necessary.

- Pachelbel's Canon can be played with many instrument combinations. We can play it with every ensemble I offer. I particularly like Pachelbel's Canon played with a flute quartet (flute, violin, viola, cello), string quartet, flute and guitar, or flute and harp.

Here is the original version of Canon in D played on original instruments from the time of Pachelbel:

A Concert for Kati - a Collaboration Concert

Recently, we held our second annual Boulder Cello Project, Cello Expressions, and Chase the Music collaboration concert to enrich the life of a nominated child with a special need. The Boulder Cello Project practiced and prepared for this concert for many months and Nick Halsey of Cello Expressions arranged some of the child's favorite songs, plus a special arrangement just for her entitled "Kati's Run". The concert was held at eTown Concert Hall, and since Kati's favorite color is purple, we all wore purple shirts with purple flowers for the ladies' hair, and the room was lit with fun colored lights including - yes, purple lights! It was a magical time of music and getting to know and meet Kati and her family. I played flute and cello for the concert.

Here are some videos - I'm on the flute:

Flute and String Trio at the Lodge at Cordillera in Edwards, CO

Recently, we enjoyed spectacular views from the Lodge and Spa at Cordillera in Edwards, Colorado. This very busy bride asked us to select her wedding ceremony music for her, and we took care of everything so she could focus on getting married. With severe thunderstorms the previous day, everything had to be moved indoors, and rain continued to threaten on the wedding day. However, the following afternoon the sun came out and the bride had her beautiful outdoor wedding after all. Our trio serenaded the guests with classical music as they came to their seats and then we played for the ceremony. Afterwards, we moved down to the pool area where we played classical music for the cocktail hour.

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Bridesmaids and Flower Girl ~ Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring Bridal
Processional ~ Sheep May Safely Graze
Recessional ~ La Rejouissance from Handel's Water Music

Selected Prelude and Cocktail Hour Music:
Selections from “Water Music” (Handel), Spring (Vivaldi), Ecossaise (Beethoven), Papageno's Aria from the Magic Flute (Mozart), Salzburger Menuette (Mozart), Gavotte (Gossec), Gigue (J.S. Bach)

Wedding Vendors:
Wedding Venue: The Lodge and Spa at Cordillera
Wedding Coordinator: Valerie Woodbury
Ceremony Musicians: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute Trio

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music on Top of a Mountain

This summer, I had a once in a lifetime experience playing wedding music - in the middle of nowhere on top of a mountain! The bride and groom had an intimate outdoor wedding ceremony on family land, with only about 20 guests in attendance. The ceremony site was by their small vacation cabin and had views of rolling hills, green from the spring rain, and a panorama of snow-capped mountain peaks as a backdrop. The couple told us to bring a four wheel drive vehicle and I'm glad we did! It was quite a drive up the rutted and rocky mountain road, from the small town of Eagle, through the middle of nowhere, past the mansion of a Spanish ambassador and even higher up the mountain until we reached a point of land with a small cabin and an amazing view. The couple chose a string trio for their wedding music, and I played the cello. We serenaded everyone with a classical prelude, processional music, and finally postlude music while pictures were being taken. Our classical music contrasted with the wild and beautiful outdoor setting, and brought a sense of elegance and sophistication.

After the wedding, we were kindly invited to eat a catered lunch with the family. They were so friendly and we felt like part of their family. We learned about the land's history and heard stories about the family's relatives who settled and ranched there a long time ago.

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Bridal Processional ~ Canon in D (Pachelbel)
Recessional ~ Finale from Handel's Water Music

Selected Prelude and Postlude Music
Selections from "Spring" (Vivaldi), Selections from "Water Music" (Handel), Italian Song (Tchaikovsky), Arioso (Bach), Ode to Joy (Beethoven), The Toy Symphony (Haydn)

Wedding Vendors:
Photographer: April O'Hare Photography - thank you April for these beautiful photos!
Wedding Ceremony Musicians: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - String Trio

Flute and Piano Reception Music at the 10th Restaurant in Vail

This past Saturday was truly a remarkable experience and I was privileged to be invited to play my flute for the memorial service and reception honoring Jim Vincent. The weather was perfect for the service, which took place in Vail Memorial Park in an idyllic mountain setting. We were surrounded by mountains, tall pines, and large boulders with a bubbling river winding through the woods nearby. When I arrived at the memorial site, I had the pleasure of once again seeing Pastor Tim Wilbanks, who later did a wonderful job presiding over the ceremony. I played classical music on solo flute for the prelude and after Pastor Wilbanks gave a welcome speech, I honored Jim Vincent by playing one of his favorite songs, "I Just Called to Say I Love You" (Stevie Wonder). At the end of the service, I played "My Way", a song that Jim Vincent personally requested be played at his memorial service. I really enjoyed the service as various family members and friends stood up and told both humorous and nostalgic stories about Jim Vincent. By the end of the service I really felt like I personally knew Jim.

Afterwards, we all left for the 10th Restaurant in Vail. I drove to Vail Village and took the gondola up to the restaurant. This was my first time up a gondola, and I really enjoyed the ride and the view of Vail Village and the surrounding mountains. When we arrived at the restaurant, Adam Revell was already entertaining the guests with some light jazz on his keyboard. I joined him on my flute and we played a number of popular and jazz selections for the elegant three-hour reception. I was given great freedom with the music selections and I aimed to create a nostalgic and sometimes upbeat mood. The guests really enjoyed the music and I even spied a few of them dancing as they walked by.

Selected Reception Music:
Cheek to Cheek (Sinatra), Georgia on My Mind (Ray Charles), Blackbird (Beatles), Unchained Melody (Alex North), Annie's Song (John Denver), Smoke Gets in Your Eyes (Jerome Kern), Let it Be (Beatles), Autumn Leaves, I Will Remember You (Sarah McLachlan), Longer Than (Dan Fogleberg), Everything I Do (I do it for You) from Robin Hood, Fly me to the Moon, Annie's Song (John Denver)

Views from the gondola ride:

Vail Village:

Flute and String Quartet Wedding Music at St. Thomas More Church and Castle Cliff Estates

This weekend I played flute for a gorgeous Catholic wedding ceremony and reception. Our flute and string quartet played Irish, classical, and sacred music for the prelude to this wedding ceremony, which was held at St. Thomas More church in Centennial. The church was modern, but very elegant with vibrant stained glass windows, and lovely wood and stone work. The ceremony was not a full mass, but there was a short sermon and a number of lovely Biblical readings.

After the ceremony, we drove to Castle Cliff Estates where we played classical and Irish music for the reception. Castle Cliff Estates had an elegant classic feel with large windows overlooking the vibrant gardens and water feature in the back. The bride's choice of flowers and decorations, our musical accompaniment, and a roaring fire in the fireplace perfectly complimented our opulent surroundings and cheered up the cold and rainy day.

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Family Processional ~ Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (J S Bach)
Processional ~ Canon in D (Pachelbel)
Bridal Processional ~ Bridal Chorus (Wagner)
Unity Candle: Winter from the Four Seasons (Vivaldi)
Recessional ~ Wedding March from Midsummer Night's Dream (Mendelssohn)

Selected Reception Music: An Irish Blessing (traditional), Last Rose of Summer (traditional), Psalm 19 (Marcello), selections from Water Music Suite (Handel), Palladio

Flute and String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Vail Chapel and Sonnenalp Resort

I just enjoyed a wonderful music-filled weekend highlighted by playing wedding ceremony and cocktail hour music for a wedding in Vail. It was a gorgeous day for a wedding! Our performance began at Vail Interfaith Chapel where our quartet played a half hour as the guests arrived, and then for the wedding ceremony. After that we moved across the street to the elegant Sonnenalp Resort where we played popular and rock music for the cocktail hour. I played this wedding with the Ribbons and Strings Ensemble (notice the ribbons on our instruments!)

Wedding Ceremony Music:

Processional Music ~ Speed of Sound (Coldplay)

Bridal Processional ~ Canon in D (Pachelbel)

During the Ceremony ~ (Everything I do) I Do It For You from Robin Hood

Recessional Music ~ I'm Yours (Mraz)

Selected Cocktail Hour Music ~ Clocks (Coldplay), It's a Wonderful World, Blackbird (Beatles), Tango from Scent of a Woman, All You Need is Love (Beatles)

A Concert for Kati

I am honored to be playing both flute and cello once again in our second annual concert dedicated to a deserving child in need. Like last year, this is a collaboration concert with the Boulder Cello Project, Chase the Music, and Cello Expressions. Our child this year is Kati, and the concert will feature arrangements specially made for our group, featuring some of Kati's favorite songs including Viva la Vida, Chim Chim Cher-ee, Call Me Maybe, and an original composition by Nick Halsey. Unlike last year's concert, this one will be open to the public, so if you want to attend, mark you calendars for Saturday, July 12th and visit http://celloexpressions.com/bcp-chase/ for the latest news and further updates. Below are some videos from last year. I'm playing the flute:

Flute, Viola, and Cello Trio - Boulder Symphony Orchestra and Sotheby's Realty

Looking southward over Wonderland Lake

I had a wonderful time these past two weeks playing music for for Sotheby's Realty, a sponsor of the Boulder Symphony Orchestra. Other members of the symphony joined me to form a flute, viola, and cello trio. Our first performance was at Sotheby's Realty where they held an elegant Boulder Symphony fundraising event. The event was a great success and I want to thank everyone who gives our symphony support - you truly make a difference!

Looking east over Boulder, Colorado

The second performance was at one of Sotheby's open houses, where we played as potential buyers toured the home. Our music carried very well in this house because it was large and open, and our classical music complimented the classical overtones in the home. We also had spectacular views! This home was situated at the end of a road in the hills above Boulder and was surrounded by open space. From there, we could clearly see Boulder right below us, north to Long's Peak, and south all the way to Pikes' Peak. I loved playing in this beautiful location and was fascinated to finally see what it's like in the Boulder foothills. I love playing in situations where I can interact with our audience and this was certainly one of those times. Our music was well received and the Realtor showing the home was warm and friendly.

How to Find Local Wedding Ceremony and Event Musicians

If you are looking for live wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, or event music along the Colorado Front Range, you've already come to the right place. Congratulations! Visit my wedding ceremony music page or my event music page to learn more about our versatile ensemble selections.

How to Find Local Wedding Ceremony and Event Musicians

If you are visiting from a different part of the country or world and are looking for live musicians in your area, I have some tips just for you.

Online Search Engines: When using an online search engine, use terms specific to what you are looking for, such as a particular instrument (flute, cello, piano etc.) or a type of group and/or music genre (jazz combo, classical quartet, bluegrass band etc.). Keep your search flexible because you never know when you may stumble upon a unique and talented group that you love but never thought of before. If you are searching for classical musicians, even if it's not for a wedding, I recommend searching for wedding ceremony musicians, because this is how most classical musicians market their websites.

Most likely, major wedding and event planning websites will appear at the top of your search list. Below those you will hopefully see results for music booking agencies and sites run by individual musicians who play solo or perhaps have formed ensembles with other musicians in the area. If you choose to hire a musician through a major booking agency, you will have many options to chose from and you may be able to get a deal if you want to hire both live musicians and a DJ from the same company. Most booking agencies also provide professional customer service and have lots of resources and equipment. If you hire an individual musician who has formed their own group, you will get personal service directly from the musician you are hiring without having to pay extra for company booking fees. When hiring an individual musician, you will be able choose a particular artist whose work you love and fits what you are looking for.

Wedding and Event Planning Websites: Today's most popular wedding and event planning websites often have a large selection of musicians for hire and are worthy of a separate mention. One of my favorite websites is Thumbtack.com which allows you to submit a request with your event specifics and receive quotes from local professionals within 24 hours. Another good site is Gigmasters.com. Through Gigmasters, you can also get price quotes from local professionals, and book online using their secure payment service and a 100% money back guarantee. Three other well-known sites are the The Knot.com, WeddingWire.com, and GigSalad.com which are like online bridal and event planning magazines.

All of these websites are paid advertising, and the musicians who appear higher in the listings are often those who paid more for that privilege. Because these musicians paid to advertise, you can be assured that most of them are actively playing and seeking bookings.

How to Find Local Wedding Ceremony and Event Musicians

Venue Recommendations: Most wedding and event venues have a list of recommended vendors either available online or upon request. Each venue has their own set of criteria for what vendors they recommend. Some venues charge vendors to be added to their list for a yearly fee, some include musicians whom they can personally recommend from experience, and some may have their own list of criteria that their musicians have to meet. It’s important to know what criteria your venue uses for putting together their recommended vendor list and that they can personally vouch for the vendors they recommend. Venues also frequently collect and display brochures and advertising from a variety of musicians for your convenience.

Word of Mouth: If you are booking musicians, you are probably also booking other vendors such as a caterer, photographer, florist and event planner. Often these vendors have seen and heard some of the local musicians and can make recommendations for you. It can also be beneficial to contact local universities or local orchestras. If you go this route, you are more likely to get a better price but less likely to get an established working group, which has potential pitfalls.

Bridal Publications and Shows: Bridal publications and wedding shows deserve a worthy mention. Most of the musicians who can afford to advertise in magazines have a high budget, and the size and quality of their ads generally reflects on the size of the company and/or the amount they charge per event. Wedding showcases are also a good way to hear musicians play live, but most venues can only support one or two groups playing at a time, so your selection is limited.

Ultimately, in our internet society, the easiest way to find local wedding or event musicians is on the internet. However, personal recommendations and word of mouth will always be an important way to find vendors who are excellent in their craft.

Visit my contact page to book your Colorado Front Range wedding ceremony or event music today!

My Favorite Colorado Wedding Ceremony Vendors in 2013

The Greenbriar Inn, Boulder, Colorado

2013 was a great year as a wedding ceremony musician, and I would like to remember it by featuring my favorite Colorado wedding vendors from this past year. I recommend these vendors and commend them for doing such a wonderful job!

The Greenbriar Inn

Wedding Venue in Boulder, Colorado

What I Loved

Beautiful country location nestled in the foot of the Rocky Mountains, yet convenient to downtown Boulder - The property is landscaped to capture the full essence and beauty of every season of the year - The Inn is charming and elegant inside and out - Friendly, knowledgeable and helpful staff - Ample and convenient parking - Multiple wedding ceremony locations are available on the property - I've also heard the food is great!

The Greenbriar Inn, Boulder, Colorado

The Greenbriar Inn, Boulder, Colorado

The Greenbriar Inn, Boulder, Colorado

The Greenbriar Inn, Boulder, Colorado

RJ Kern Photography

Wedding Photographer in Colorado

What I Loved

Creative, unique and engaging photos that capture the essence of time and place - Prompt, friendly, and professional service - Unobtrusive during the wedding ceremony - RJ demonstrates a passion and enjoyment for his art - These pictures speak for themselves!

Kern Photo - Colorado Wedding Photographer

Kern Photo - Colorado Wedding Photographer

Kern Photo - Colorado Wedding Photographer

Kern Photo - Colorado Wedding Photographer

Kern Photo - Colorado Wedding Photographer

Kern Photo - Colorado Wedding Photographer

Kern Photo - Colorado Wedding Photographer

Kern Photo - Colorado Wedding Photographer

Kern Photo - Colorado Wedding Photographer

Kern Photo - Colorado Wedding Photographer

Kern Photo - Colorado Wedding Photographer

To view more images of the year, visit Kern Photography's website.

Petal and Bean

Florist in Breckenridge, Colorado

What I Loved

Fresh, vivid flowers - Seasonal, local options - Friendly staff - Great design ideas

Petal and Bean - Colorado Florist

Petal and Bean - Colorado Florist

Petal and Bean - Colorado Florist

Petal and Bean - Colorado Florist

Boulder Symphony Orchestra Spring 2014 Concerts

As a cellist with the Boulder Symphony Orchestra, I would like to invite you to join us for our upcoming concerts. Go to http://bouldersymphony.org/ to learn more and purchase tickets.

The Boulder Symphony Orchestra

ORGAN-IC ORCHESTRA

Saturday, February 15th at 7:00pm

Devon Howard, organ Ann Marie Liss, Harp Phoenix Avalon, violin

Returning to the Symphony by popular request is wunderkind violinist Phoenix Avalon, in a concert featuring the great prodigy composers. Camille Saint-Saens was performing the piano for Franz Liszt as a child; Gioachino Rossini wrote more than 30 operas before turning 30, and Felix Mendelssohn composed his most beloved works as a teenager. Camile Saint-Saëns’s Third Symphony, a masterful and seamlessly organic French interpretation of the genre features organist Devon Howard, and is indebted to the composer’s teacher Liszt, who himself showed off his wunderkind piano technique to Beethoven half a century earlier.

Program: Symphony No. 3 "Organ" by Camille Saint-Saens Overture to the Opera "William Tell" by Gioachino Rossini Violin Concerto by Felix Mendelssohn Sacred and Profane Dances by Claude Debussy

The Boulder Symphony Orchestra

EVENT HORIZONS

Saturday, March 15th at 7:00pm

Brandon Matthews, guest conductor In collaboration with Metro State Orchestra

A lifelong school teacher turned composer and mystic, Gustav Holst was was profoundly intrigued by both the human condition and our place in the universe. He delved inwardly into the spiritual traditions of humanity by examining the Mahabharata and other Hindu scriptures, as well as outward and upward towards the heavens as an astrologer and horoscope reader. The Planets is the composer’s greatest portrayal of the eternal, one of the most penetrating artistic representations of the Solar System and the great beyond. Joined by members the Metro State Orchestras, Event Horizons will also feature the world premiere of A Warmer Wind, a multimedia feast by Jonathan Sokol and Boulder Symphony violist Julie Rooney.

Program: The Planets by Gustav Holst A Warmer Wind (World Premiere) by Jonathan Sokol & Julie Rooney

The Boulder Symphony Orchestra

SECRET AGENTS FOR CHANGE

Saturday, May 17th at 7:00pm

Deborah Marshall, clarinet

The fiery and rousing season finale features Mr. Beethoven and Mr. Shostakovich as political activists as much as they were composers. Under the thumb of the powers that be, both composers orchestrated subliminal political messages and innuendos into the their music to combat the status quo. Shostakovich’s epic Fifth Symphony is perhaps history’s greatest dramatic battle between dictator and creator.

Making her debut as soloist with the Boulder Symphony is Chamber Music Director and Clarinetist Deborah Marshall, capped off by an instrument that we guarantee you have never seen before nor heard of, the world premiere of the joint venture of Max Bernstein, Mark Hamilton McCoin, and DeVotchKa’s Tom Hagerman, their Concerto for Pianoharp and Orchestra.

Program: Symphony No. 5 by Dmitri Shostakovich Lenore Overture No. 3 from Fidelio by Ludwig van Beethoven Rhapsody for Clarinet and Orchestra by Claude Debussy Concerto for Pianoharp (World Premiere) by Max Bernstein, Tom Hagerman & Mark Hamilton McCoin

Flute, Viola, and Cello Trio - Wedding Music at the Greenbriar Inn in Boulder

Flute and String Wedding Ceremony Music at the Greenbriar Inn, Boulder

On Saturday, our flute, viola, and cello trio played for a wedding ceremony at the beautiful Greenbriar Inn located in North Boulder. The couple got married outside surrounded by warm autumn colors drenched in late afternoon sunshine. This couple chose to select all of their own music including their own prelude music. They chose favorites ranging from classical, to ragtime and popular. I made several special music arrangements for our trio to play including “New York, New York”, “I Feel Pretty”, and “When I’m 64”. We played the prelude as the guests enjoyed light refreshments, and just as the sun began to descend towards the mountains behind the "Chuppah" (traditional Jewish wedding canopy), the wedding ceremony began. The vows went by quickly as the couple chose to say their "I do's" in unison, and guests did various readings. Once the sun set, there was a sharp chill in the air, and everyone went inside to enjoy a warm fire and refreshments.

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Prelude Music ~ Trumpet Tune (Purcell), Salut d’Amour (Elgar), Ave Maria (Schubert), Selections from Handel’s “Water Music”, London Trio #1 (Haydn), Paragon Rag (Joplin), I Feel Pretty (Bernstein), When I’m 64 (Beatles)

Attendant’s and Parent's Processional ~ Canon in D
Bride ~ Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring
Recessional ~ New York, New York

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Greenbriar Inn
Wedding Ceremony Musicians: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute Trio

Flute and Cello Wedding Music at the GM Ranch in Sedalia, CO

Flute and Cello Duo - Classical Wedding Ceremony Music in Colorado

This past week, I played my flute in the wedding ceremony of a very special young bride awaiting a lung transplant. My heart remains with this couple as they walk together in future trials and hopefully many victories as well. The day of the ceremony was unusually hot for September, with temperatures over 90 degrees. The ceremony site was wisely situated in the shade of the ranch house, facing lovely views of the countryside, mountains, and horses. The shade combined with falling evening temperatures and a nice breeze coming from the mountains felt wonderful, and everyone stayed cool.

The ceremony site was decorated in a simple and striking theme of red and white and the bridesmaids wore red. Because of the bride's health, chairs were provided for the bride and groom and wedding party to sit in during the ceremony. It was a short, moving Catholic ceremony and our flute and cello duo played a prelude before the wedding began and then accompanied the vows and sand pouring with soft music by Schubert and Bach.
 

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Selected Prelude Music ~ Rondo Alla Turca (Mozart), Fairest Lord Jesus, My Heart is Ever Faithful (Bach), St. Anthony's Chorale (Brahms) Processional Music ~ Arioso (Bach) Bridal Processional ~ Canon in D (Pachelbel) Vows ~ Ave Maria (Schubert) Sand Pouring ~ Air on the G String (Bach) Recessional ~ Wedding March (Mendelssohn)

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: GM Ranch, Sedalia
Photographer: Rebecca Marie Photography
Wedding Ceremony Musicians: ChristenStephens.com - Flute and Cello Duo

Flute and Cello Duo - Classical Wedding Ceremony Music in Colorado

Wedding Ceremony Music in Colorado

Musician photos courtesy of

Rebecca Marie Photography

Flute and Guitar Wedding Music at the Denver Hyatt

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at the Denver Hyatt

Recently I had the pleasure of playing the flute for a traditional Jewish wedding ceremony and reception. I loved the music selections which included a combination of classical, traditional Hebrew, Latin, and Spanish songs. The wedding was held in the Pinnacle Club, the top rooms in the Denver Hyatt. Fromthere we had a sweeping view of downtown Denver.

We played prelude music as the guests arrived, and then as each couple walked down the aisle for the processional, everyone clapped for them. The wedding ceremony was more like a celebration and family and friends were encouraged to cheer on and support the bride and groom and affirm the words spoken by the rabbi during the service. The ceremony was complete with blessings and readings in Hebrew, and ended with the traditional smashing of the wine glass as the guests shouted "Mazle Tov!. Everyone sang "Siman Tov" along with our musical accompaniment for the recessional.

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Selected Prelude Music ~ Cinema Paradiso, I Will (Beatles), Meditation from Thais (Massenet), Bittersweet Symphony (the Verve), Brighter than Sunshine (Aqualung) Processional Music ~ Erev Shel Shosanim Bridal Processional ~ Can't Help Falling in Love Recessional - Siman Tov then Mazel Tov

Reception Music included music from Vicky Cristina Barcelona and Vianne Sets Up Shop from Chocolat.

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: The Pinnacle Club at the Grand Hyatt
Denver Photographer: WD Yeager Photography shooting for Broxton Art
Musicians: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Guitar Duo

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at the Denver Hyatt

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at the Denver Hyatt

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at the Denver Hyatt

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at the Denver Hyatt

Boulder Symphony Orchestra Winter 2013 Concerts

I am a cellist with the Boulder Symphony Orchestra, and I invite you to join us for our upcoming concerts. Go to the new website at http://bouldersymphony.org/ to learn more and purchase tickets.

DEAF MAN'S DYSFUNCTIONAL DANCE Saturday, September 21st at 7:00pm

Celebrate folk traditions spanning half a millennium with the Symphony as we share the greatest musical dance traditions from Transylvania, Hungary and Romania, to present day America. Wagner called Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony the apotheosis of the dance in Dionysian fashion with its gyrating rhythms and intoxicating spirit. Also explored on the program are good old American jigs in the form of the contra-dance in the world premiere of Loretta Notareschi’s Balance and Swing.

Program: SYMPHONY NO. 7 by Ludwig Van Beethoven ROMANIAN FOLK DANCES by Bela Bartok HUNGARIAN DANCES 1 & 5 by Johannes Brahms PRELUDE TO THE OPERA "THE MASTERSINGER OF NUREMBERG" by Richard Wagner BALANCE AND SWING [WORLD PREMIER] by Loretta Notareschi

MAYHEM ON CANYON BOULEVARD Saturday, October 26th at 2:00pm

In collaboration with Longmont Youth Symphony. Celebrate Halloween early, for the the whole family as the Symphony presents an epic orchestral Murder Mystery topped off with Trick-or-treating Boulder-style, a costume contest with the winner serving as Maestro, and an orchestra petting zoo so kids test drive some of the world’s greatest instruments! We are joined, at least initially, by the famed Italian Maestro Gianfranco Benedicto Cellini.

COSTUME CONTEST - Winner conducts the orchestra TRICK-OR-TREATING with local Boulder healthy sweets INSTRUMENT PETTING ZOO For kids and all ages

BRIDGES TO HEAVEN Saturday, December 7th at 7:00pm

Teresa Castillo, soprano Thomas Kittle, baritone Gustav Mahler’s music brings us a wealth of experience from the earliest childhood memories to depictions of heaven, and everything in between. For his Fourth Symphony, widely known as his more populist from the genre, classical tradition clashes magnificently with contemporary culture. The Song and Symphony become one as we premiere composer-in-residence Austin Wintory’s modern version of the Song cycle for orchestra, as we welcome back soprano Teresa Castillo and baritone Thomas Kittle.

Program: SYMPHONY NO. 4 by Gustav Mahler SONGS OF A WAYFARER by Gustav Mahler SONG FOR ORCHESTRA [WORLD PREMIER] by Austin Wintory

Flute, Violin and Cello Trio, Wedding Ceremony Music at Gabriel’s Northern Italian Restaurant in Sedalia

Flute and String Trio, Wedding Ceremony Music at Gabriel’s Northern Italian Restaurant in Sedalia

A short while ago, I drove south of Denver to play music for a wedding ceremony and reception in the small town of Sedalia, the home of Gabriel's Northern Italian Restaurant. Gabriel's is a darling Victorian restaurant with a wraparound porch, gardens, and a large stone patio perfectly sized for events and wedding ceremonies. This wedding was to be held in the garden area accompanied by our flute, violin, and cello trio. This was a beautiful outdoor wedding and everyone enjoyed the sunny day that wasn't too hot. This wedding, as with all outdoor weddings, offered a few complications. As we played the prelude music, I had a run-in with a horsefly who kept giving me painful bites on my legs. I knew the music had to go on and I kept playing as smoothly as I could until he finally got bored with me right around the time the ceremony began. However, just as the minister asked the couple to repeat their vows, we heard a very loud, long whistle and a train went roaring by, right behind the guests, and for several moments, it was impossible to hear anything. The minister made a few false starts which were interrupted by more whistles but the couple took it all in stride, and after a good-natured laugh and a little bit of waiting, the ceremony went on and they were married. We then played a lively recessional and transitioned into more upbeat classical music during the outdoor reception.

Flute and String Trio, Wedding Ceremony Music at Gabriel’s Northern Italian Restaurant in Sedalia

Flute and String Trio, Wedding Ceremony Music at Gabriel’s Northern Italian Restaurant in Sedalia

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Prelude music ~ selections from Telemann, Vivaldi, and Mozart Wedding Party and Bridal Processional ~ Canon in D (Pachelbel) Recessional ~ Allegro from Spring from the Four Seasons (Vivaldi)

Selected Reception Music:
Selections from Water Music (Handel), Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (Mozart), Minuet (Beethoven), Selections from String Quartet in F major (Haydn)

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Gabriel's Northern Italian Restaurant
Photographer: Bob Sullivan
Wedding Ceremony Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute Trio (flute, viola, cello)

Flute and String Trio, Wedding Ceremony Music at Gabriel’s Northern Italian Restaurant in Sedalia

Flute and Violin Duo, Wedding Ceremony Music in Breckenridge

It's hard to surpass a Colorado mountain wedding in July, and this gorgeous Breckenridge wedding ceremony was no exception. The ceremony was held outdoors at a private home with a sweeping view of the mountains and Breckenridge Golf Course. With only about 8 guests, this was the most intimate wedding I have played for, and among the sweetest. The festivities began as the guests enjoyed appetizers while our flute and violin duo set the mood with elegant classical music. Then the guests gathered around the alter for the wedding ceremony. During the ceremony, friends and family had an opportunity to speak to the bride and groom, and they laughed and cried as words of encouragement and advice mixed with many fond and humorous memories were passed around. Then the daughter of the groom sang "Someone Like You" by Van Morrison, a song that was meaningful to the couple, and I accompanied on the flute. Afterwards, everyone gathered inside to congratulate the bride and groom, visit, and enjoy a special dinner.

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Selected Prelude Music ~ Gavotte (Gossec), Rondeau (Mouret), Presto from Sonatina in F major (Telemann), Romanza from Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (Mozart), selected Menuets (Devienne), St. Anthony Chorale (Brahms), La Rejouissance (Handel), March in D major (Bach)

Bridal Processional ~ Canon in D (Pachelbel)
Special Song (daughter of groom, voice with me on flute) ~ Someone Like You (Van Morrison)
Recessional ~ Danza Pastorale from Spring (Vivaldi)

Wedding Vendors:
Photographer: Virginia Stiles
Musicians: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Violin Duo

Now Offering a String Quartet and a String Trio

string quartet and string trio wedding ceremony music

It's time to go traditional, and I am pleased to announce that you can now hire a string quartet or a string trio right here through my website. String music will add a touch of elegance and class to your wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, or your special event. The formal sound and appearance of stringed instruments make them a very popular choice for brides. If you would like to hire a quartet or a trio but want a more unique and varied sound, you can replace the first violin with the flute. The flute has a smooth sound that contrasts beautifully with that of stringed instruments.

A Special Discount From Simply Bridal

As a special thank you to my readers, I invite you to request a quote for Colorado wedding music and I will include a 15% discount code to SimplyBridal.com. If you are not getting married in Colorado, don't feel left out! Just email me with "Simply Bridal" in the subject line, and I will send the discount code your way. Simply Bridal offers a huge selection of wedding gowns, bridesmaids dresses, veils, and bridal accessories for great prices. Thank you Simply Bridal for offering this discount to my readers!