Review Centre: Classical Guitarists

"When we started preparing the wedding, it was clear to us that we wanted to play chill out background music covers during the aperitif, as this would lower costs and also create a beautiful atmosphere. One day, we met Miguel at a wedding event and as soon as we heard him, it was clear to us. He had to be at our wedding no matter what. The guests were delighted and hallucinated to see him play live, giving the wedding a plus of quality and elegance. Thank you very much Michael. You're the best."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We got married on May 27th and we wanted something very special for our ceremony, choosing live music was a total success and all our guests were amazed and delighted with Swite Duo. Eduard and Martí, besides being great musicians, attended to all our requests, some of them quite special, and made the wedding day truly magical. They prepared very special songs for us that we asked for and honestly, it couldn't have been better. Undoubtedly, great professionals and very approachable. Choosing them was undoubtedly the best decision we made in everything related to the wedding. Definitely the best option if you want your wedding day to be truly magical and unforgettable."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We hired Eduard and Martí to play at our wedding in the church and later at the cocktail hour. We met with them beforehand to get to know each other and choose the songs together. We were delighted with how everything turned out! They are first-rate professionals. In the church, we chose more "classic" songs and the violin along with the guitar was beautiful. Then at the cocktail hour, with versions of current songs, it gave it a cheerful and modern touch. I recommend Swite Duo 200%."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"When we were looking for a musician to play at our wedding ceremony and cocktail hour, we really wanted to have someone who not only had an amazing sound, but who would be willing to personalize our song selection. We can't say enough about Stephan, he is an extremely talented classical guitarist, very professional and he really went above and beyond! He learned 10 songs for us that were not in his repertoire and he did such a fantastic job of every single song he played! We received so many complements from our friends and family and highly recommend him. Thank You So Much Stephan for all your hard work and for making the music on our special day absolutely perfect! :)"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you so much for making Sophie & Joe’s wedding so wonderful. Your music is fabulous and helped to create just the right romantic, relaxed atmosphere. Thank you again and very best wishes for the future."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Aah, nylon strings - your playing and the ambience of the empty cafe paint strong images. Great to find your channel again! Clive Davies"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"It was one of the best choices of our wedding. They have a great musical repertoire for both the ceremony and the cocktail hour and they are great professionals! And from the first moment, dealing with them was great! They exceeded all our expectations. They created a magical atmosphere with their work. Our guests were delighted with their great talent. Thank you so much, Martí and Eduard!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Even on a murky February morning (2005), the first performance in July of our new commission doesn’t seem too far away. Jane Roper tells us about the composer and the composition: Howard’s way If you ever get a chance to talk to Howard Haigh about composing, take it. He has a huge range of experience, good insights into the creative process, and he communicates his enthusiasm for his work so well, I guarantee you will be both enthralled and inspired. And now he's working for us! I thought you might like to read a bit of background to his career and to his current commission. Although Howard is happily settled up north in Lancaster he trained near us; a BA Performing Arts/Music at Middlesex Polytechnic was followed by a Masters in Music/Composition at the University of London. He studied composition with Brian Dennis and David Bedford; had tutorials with Michael Finissy, George Benjamin and John Cage, and studied flamenco guitar with Paco Pena, Juan Serrano, Manuel Granados and Titi Losada. We think of him principally as a Spanish guitarist, but he also studied mandolin, keyboards, percussion, harmonica and vocal techniques. He has written for most instrumental combinations, from solo guitar, small ensembles and string quartets to bands, girls’ choirs, large choruses, electronic scores and computer music. Howard combines composing with teaching throughout the north west. He has taught guitar at Lancaster University since 2000. He is a member of the English National Ballet's Education and Community Unit, and is engaged in outreach projects in schools throughout England. The nature of this work may range from musical accompanist to residencies in which he composes an original score for a short performance. He has done similar work for Ballet Rambert and the Royal Ballet. His work has been performed at the Barbican, the Royal Festival Hall, Sadler's Wells (for the Queen) and the Purcell Room; and at festivals in Edinburgh, Brighton, Cheltenham and WOMAD. One of his great strengths is his ability to collaborate with people from a wide range of performing disciplines. I've found out that as well as working closely with singers, dancers, and actors, he has also worked with jugglers, comedians, strippers, a skiffle group, film makers and performance artists. No problem working with us then. And then add a massive list of theatre companies, musicals, community projects and commissions and it's no wonder he's always out when I call. In the 1980's Howard composed some extraordinary pieces using unusual instruments. Body Music used claps, stamps, clicks and slaps. This was followed by Kitchen Music. I bet you didn't know that Alan Titchmarsh played the saucepan in this on Pebble Mill. There was also a pre-Prom show on Radio 3 featuring unusual percussion prior to Evelyn Glennie's performance. But by the late '80s his explorations were focusing on vocal writing. Crouch End Festival Chorus gave him an exciting opportunity when they commissioned him in 1990. I heard them perform Saeta again in the Barbican last January. It was sensational. I can't even remember what the second half standard-repertoire piece was; I was still high on Howard's piece and wanted them to sing it again. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Amazing Stephan is so awesome. He was helpful in establishing the set list for our wedding-- I am not the kind of bride who had this all planned out in advance (no wedding book, no bride dream list, nothing), so his prompting enabled me to put it all together. We were of course stressed to the max and running late on the big Wedding Day, but he was able to collaborate with the groom to get everything set up and ready for the ceremony. Not only is he friendly, approachable, and professional, Stephan is such a talented musician and his acoustic guitar playing really made our moment on the beach what it should be: magical! We even invited him to our rehearsal dinner!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"From the first day we saw and heard them, we fell in love with their music. They made our day magical and special. Without a doubt, the best choice we could make!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Hi Alan, Thank you so much! We got whisked away to do our photos but from what we heard you sounded amazing, and all of the guests were raving about you! We really appreciate everything; the ceremony music and the reception really gave it such a great atmosphere. Thanks again! James"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Shane is an amazing musician. He featured at a night I run. I was ever impressed with his professionalism but also his talent, he was a wonderful addition to the night. In fact he made the night."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Hi Alan, Re: Review for our wedding on 01.07.2022 at Old Thorns, Hampshire Alan played for our ceremony and drinks reception. He helped to create the perfect atmosphere on the day and we had so many guests commenting on how brilliant he was. He went above and beyond for us by learning specific songs for our special day on our request. Nothing was too much and he was so accommodating and flexible. It was very easy to communicate with him in the lead up to the wedding and we really appreciate that he worked with us when we had to postpone the wedding due to covid. Would love to book him in the future for any other events we have as a family. Barbara and Tom"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Shane performed at our wedding reception. Weddings can be stressful events in which people are easily distracted, so the hush that settled on the room is testament to the feeling and sensitivity of Shane’s playing. Everyone commented afterwards on what a lovely moment it was. The pieces he chose were especially apt, and he played them with brio, confidence, and a command of the music that combined professionalism with an inimitable artistic judgement. His playing added a unique and unforgettable flourish to the day."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Stephan played at our wedding recently and was a wonderful vendor: professional, friendly, and the music itself was lovely. He was very flexible about the un-forecasted rain at our outdoor ceremony too! In searching for vendors I ran into a few homophobic musicians/other vendors, but Stephan wasn't fazed by a LGBT wedding at all. I highly recommend Stephan for any wedding!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: