How did you choose the name Ensemble Mercury?
Ensemble Mercury is named after the Roman god Mercury who was believed to the messenger or communicator of the gods. Some believed him to be a bridge between the upper and lower spheres. Similarly, we intend for our music to be a means of communication and hope that it transports our audiences as they listen.
Do you perform outside?
Yes, absolutely! We have a few requirements, since stringed instruments may not be in any form of precipitation or in weather cooler than 60 F or warmer than 85 F. Adequate shade must be provided for the instruments, and for an additional charge we can bring a small tent for the musicians to play under. We require a rain plan for every outdoor event, and we would be happy to discuss your options in the weeks leading up to your event.
Do the musicians need to be amplified when performing?
Typically, Ensemble Mercury does not play with amplification. Stringed instruments project well in both indoor and outdoor settings. If the venue you are using includes amplification, one condenser mic can be placed in the center of the group for events such as ceremonies. Cocktail hours and receptions can be trickier to amplify due to background noise, so we typically recommend an acoustic sound and a bigger ensemble such as a string quartet for these louder environments.
What ensemble sizes are available for me?
You can choose between a variety of ensembles, including solos (any instrument), duos (either violin/viola or violin/cello), a standard string trio (violin/viola/cello), piano trio (violin/cello/piano), or a string quartet (two violins/viola/cello). We can also put together larger ensembles such as a quintet or chamber orchestra upon request!
How do I choose music for my processional or recessional?
Processionals and recessionals are tricky, and your choice will often depend upon your personal music preferences. Some couples will have a special connection to a certain song, which makes the choice easy, since the processional is often the moment in a wedding which draws the most attention. If you’re not certain of what you’re looking for, or if you want a more traditional sound, see the “Top Picks” sections on our repertoire page to see what other couples have chosen!
Will you perform with a guest singer or instrumentalist?
We would be happy to play with or accompany another musician. We would request their contact info in advance of the event so that we can communicate regarding song length and key, and conduct a short rehearsal on the day of your event.
Will you attend the wedding rehearsal?
Ensemble Mercury has performed for hundreds of weddings, and we are experts in timing the music to fit each portion of your event perfectly. Thus, we do not typically attend wedding rehearsals. In the weeks leading up to your event, we will ask for detailed verbal and visual cues so that we can time the music appropriately.
What size ensemble should I choose?
Generally, the larger the ensemble, the richer/louder the sound. A string duo features the melody and bass line, and works well for large/live acoustic spaces such as churches or halls. A string trio has a slightly richer texture with melody, harmony and bass. If you’re looking for an ensemble that can still be appreciated in a crowded room or social hour, a string quartet will be most likely to meet your needs. Finally, if cost is a factor, a smaller ensemble might work better for you as we generally charge per musician, per hour.