"We were both so pleased with your group, the professionalism, friendliness and, of course, the music was wonderful and elegant. We received so many compliments from friends and family who said that the quartet added such class to the whole event. Thank you, again, for a wonderful job and please use us as a reference." - David and Rebecca

String quartet music adds elegance to your special event

• We are professional musicians who specialize in performing classical music for distinguished events.
• We would love to play for your occasion: wedding ceremonies, wedding receptions, cocktail hour, business functions, grand openings, corporate parties, retirement celebrations, holiday gatherings, customer appreciation days, charity benefits, art exhibitions, renaissance fairs, anniversary parties, award ceremonies, reunions and more. Whatever your dream event may be, we can help you make it extraordinary!
• Our instruments are portable and do not require amplification. This means we can easily transition from outdoor to indoor events and do not require special equipment.

Our Services

• We play for special events across Southern WI and Northern IL. Our group has performed at the Monona Terrace Convention Center, the Overture Center, Inn on the Park, Olbrich Gardens, the Memorial Union, Bishops Bay Country Club, Gates of Heaven, the Masonic Center, the WI State Capitol Building, the House on the Rock Resort, Tyrol Basin, Quivey's Grove, Luther Memorial Church, Holy Redeemer, the Pres House, and many more locations. Ask us about your venue!
• Live music adds a distinctive edge to any event. From background music to providing the main entertainment, we can help make any event unforgettable.
• We have established relationships with both composers and arrangers. If there is a special song you would like our quartet to perform for your event, please e-mail us to discuss the details!

History of the Group

• The Sophisticates of String Quartet was established in 1998 by Shannon Ballhorn (string bass).
• The customary grouping of musicians consists of two violinists, a violist, and a contrabassist.
• Our musicians are accomplished performers who have played in many professional orchestras and ensembles including the University of Wisconsin Symphony, the Madison Symphony, the Beloit-Janesville Symphony, and the WI Chamber Choir Orchestra. We have performed while on orchestral tours to Japan, Taiwan, Austria, Hungary, Spain and the Czech Republic.

Weddings

• For wedding ceremonies we begin by playing background music as guests arrive and are seated.
• In addition to the processional and recessional, if requested, we will play other music (hymns or incidental music) during your ceremony.
• We also play as your guests are leaving, during the receiving line, or during the transition into your cocktail hour or reception, upon your request.

We would be honored to play at your event! Let us work with you to develop a plan that suits your needs for any occasion.

Last site update: December 15th, 2008