Funeral Services for Tom D'Alessio

We were recently honored to be asked to play for the funeral services for long time Vail local, Tom D'Alessio.

While weddings are often planned out even a year in advance, funerals are often unexpected. As such, it can be very difficult for a grieving family to plan and pull everything together in just a few short days.

Although we didn't know Tom, we were touched by the life he led and the legacy he left for all of those who knew and loved him.

We played for these services as a trio, consisting of a violin, cello, and piano. A family member's sister flew in from Canada to offer her love and support. She is an accomplished vocalist and it was an honor to accompany her throughout the services.

We provided prelude and postlude music as well as music during the services and the communion. We accompanied Jennifer, the vocalist who beautifully sang "The Lord's Prayer", "Ave Maria", "On Eagle's Wings", and "Nella Fantasia". As Jennifer sang, the music extended into, and touched the hearts of those present.

We offer our condolences to the family and loved ones of this great man, and express our gratitude for the opportunity to play and contribute this celebration of Tom's great life.

October 10, 2009

Today marked our last summer wedding of the 2009 season. Our mountains are capped with snow, the golden leaves of the aspens are preparing to float away in the wind, and the air carries the definite nip of oncoming winter. Although it was beautiful outside today, we were grateful to be inside the Vail Interfaith Chapel and not battling the elements.(10/10/09 3:20 pm)

While we often play for destination weddings, today we played for a local couple's wedding. One of the exciting aspects of a local wedding lies in the knowledge that we may actually bump into our clients at some future point here in the valley.

We enjoyed this couple's musical selections as they not only chose their ceremony and processional music, but also their prelude and postlude pieces as well.

All of today's pieces were strictly classical and we began our prelude with Bach's Air, Handel's Air and Andante from Water Music, Corelli's Pastorale, Bach's Ave Verum Corpus, and Bach's Sheep May Safely Graze.

The wedding party entered to Bach's Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, and the bride entered to Handel's Largo - a gorgeous and not so commonly used processional piece.

The ceremony ended with a recessional from Handel's Allegro from The Water Music, and the wedding party and guests exited to Vivaldi's Spring from the Four Seasons, and Handel's La Rejouissance and Hornpipe.

We were honored to play for this beautiful local's wedding as well as each wedding and event we've played for this summer.

Thank you to all of our clients - we've enjoyed working with each and every one of you, and are looking forward to the 2010 summer wedding season!

The Ritz Carlton at Bachelor Gulch

I've been waiting to get some photos from the photographer prior to publishing this post, but I decided I couldn't wait.

With the advent of fall and as the snow begins to fly, we begin wrapping up our 2009 summer wedding season. It has been a great summer - slightly cooler and wetter than normal, but nonetheless beautiful. This year has been our busiest to date, and we’ve enjoyed all of the opportunities we’ve had to share our music in all of our venues.

This weekend we played at the Ritz Carlton at Bachelor Gulch. As we headed into this outdoor wedding, we were quite nervous and tentative as the weather forecast was approx. 47*, and we worried about being too cold to play. We had however, negotiated that if we played outside, heaters would be provided to offset the cold.

As we began our prelude, our violinists began with a couple of violin duets. We then moved into Corelli’s Pastorale, Handel’s Largo, and Bach’s Air.

Transitioning from the prelude to the ceremony music, we played Pachebel’s Canon as all of the family members and honored guests were seated, and then the Top Gun Anthem for the groom’s entrance. This was followed by Bach’s Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring for the wedding attendants, and Wagner’s classic Bridal Chorus for the bridal processional.

During the ceremony The Ashokan Farewell was played as musical interlude, and Vivaldi’s Spring from the Four Seasons served as the recessional.

Moving back down to the patio for cocktails, we then played a mix of classical and contemporary pieces including, Can’t Help Falling in Love, Hallelujah, Bygone Days, Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, Annie’s Song, Airoso, Viva La Vida, Sheep May Safely Graze, O Mio Babbino Caro, My Heart Ever Faithful, Here comes the Sun, Sleeping Beauty Waltz, Ode to Joy, Liebestraume, Only Time, Brandenburg, The Flower Duet, and Edelweiss.

We were thrilled that the heaters worked out great at one point we were actually almost too warm!) and we were honored to play a small part in this beautiful wedding!

Splendido at the Chateau in Beaver Creek

This weekend we played for a locals wedding at Splendido at the Chateau in Beaver Creek - one of the area's premier restaurants, and an amazing location for a fall outdoor wedding.

 

(Photo 9/26/09 @ 4:00 pm)

While fall weather can be unpredictable, it cooperated perfectly as the ceremony was held on the back patio, graced by sunshine and a gentle breeze, against a gorgeous backdrop of fall's changing colors.

 

(Photo 9/26/09 @ 4:00 pm)

We started our prelude off with Mozart's third "Brandenburg Concerto", Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring", Liszt's "Liebestraume", Bach's "Air", and Corelli's "Pastorale".

The processional music included Handel's "Andante", and Pachebel's "Canon", and after a few words and a reading, we played a soft interlude from Vivaldi's "Four Seasons".
As the ceremony concluded, the bride and groom joyfully exited to Handel's "Entrance of the Queen of Sheba"

While several of the pieces played are popular wedding pieces, it was invigorating to play a few less commonly performed pieces including the Brandenburg, Pastorale, Liebestraume and Entrance for the Queen of Sheba - we were thrilled that they had been requested and that we could play for such a beautiful wedding!

Spruce Saddle - Beaver Creek

Today we are played for a local wedding at Spruce Saddle, at the top of Beaver Creek. One of the unique elements of this wedding is that the wedding party (including the bride) arrived via the chairlift.

As we began, we had a short window of prelude. In relation to the setting, the couple's musical choices were very fitting. We started with "Edelweiss", and then followed with Handel's "Air", "Andante", and "Allegro" from the Water Music.

The ceremony then began with the wedding party entering to Mozart's "Romanze" from Eine Kline Nacht Musik. The bride then exited the chairlift and entered to Pachebel's "Canon". After a beautiful ceremony, the couple walked back down the aisle to the Beatle's, "Here Comes The Sun". As guests mingled and photos were taken, we finished up with several postlude pieces.

This was a magnificent venue and a gorgeous day!

The Lodge and Spa at Cordillera

(Photographs taken September 18, 2009 at 5:50 pm.)

We had the opportunity to play for a beautiful couple's wedding yesterday at the Lodge and Spa at Cordillera. The staff was extremely courteous and helpful, and it was a great venue.
While the weather forecast looked great, this actually turned out to be the windiest and one of the toughest wedding we've ever played.

As the bride is a professional performer, there was considerable consideration given to the musical selections. We played several new pieces which were meaningful as the bride had previously performed them.

Our new additions which were used as ceremonial music included, "O Mio Babbino Caro" by Puccini, "The Flower Song" by Delibes, "The Hallelujah Chorus" by Handel, and "Morgen" by Strauss which the bride's friend had arranged for our string quartet.

We played many of our standard pieces such as Handel's "Water Music", Bach's "Sheep May Safely Graze", and "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring", Handel's "Largo" Vivaldi's "Largo" from Winter, and Handel's "La Rejouissance" for the prelude and postlude.

Unfortunately, just before the processional the wind really kicked in. Our music folders were blown off of our stands, music was ripped from our folders and blown away, and the large overhead umbrellas were all blown over. Most of our music was lost to the whipping wind which constantly blew our stands back and forth.

We were very disappointed as so much time and thought had gone into the musical selections by the couple, and much of this was lost. It started to sprinkle and we had to put some of the larger instruments away. Finally, one of our quartet members ended up holding the large umbrella up while the other three crowded under it to be protected from the raindrops as we finished out the ceremony. While outdoor weddings can be breathtakingly beautiful, there is always a gamble on the weather. As the musical selections were gorgeous, we had hoped that they would have been easier to hear and enjoy, and that we could have played to the best of our abilities without having to battle such fierce elements.

Vail Interfaith Chapel

This weekend we once again had an opportunity to play for a wedding at the Vail Interfaith Chapel.



When we arrived, a religious service was still underway and so the wedding was a bit delayed. Here are some of the flowers outside the chapel and some of the wedding party as they wait for the service to end.

(Photograph taken August 15, 2009 at 6:15 pm)

As we initially planned the music for this wedding, it became apparent that our clients wanted to use both classical and contemporary music. While there was some initial concern regarding the transition between the two genres, the pieces we used led into each other and transitioned very nicely.

Our prelude consisted of The Beatles' Yesterday, Ivers' Bygone Days, Cohen's Hallelujah, Webber's All I Ask of You, Presley's Can't Help Falling in Love, and Denver's Annie's Song.

For the processional, the family members entered to Bach's Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring, the bridal party to Pachebel's Canon, and the bride to Wagner's traditional Wedding March . Finally Bach's Arioso was played for the lighting of the unity candle.

As the ceremony ended, we transitioned back to the contemporary genre as the couple exited the chapel to VivaLaVida by Coldplay, followed by Here Comes the Sun by the Beatles, Just Like Heaven by the Cure, Ungar's Ashokan Farewell by Ungar, and finally Enya's Only Time .

The planning and coordination of this wedding was done by a local business, Sassy Events, and they truly did an amazing job putting the chapel together in such a brief period of time.

It was an honor to play for such a beautiful wedding ~ Congratulations!

The Sonnenalp in Vail

Today we played for a wedding at the Sonnenalp in Vail. As can be seen in the picture, one of the (many) great things about this venue, is its riverside location. While breezes from the river refresh, the mature trees offer great shade for wedding guests.

Today's music was definitely different as instead of solely strings, our ensemble was actually a cello & flute duo. The flautist played the first part and the cellist played the bass part, as well as some of the first parts, second parts, and third parts. It was definitely a new twist.

The prelude included some of our standard pieces - Handel's 'Water Music', as well as 'Simple Gifts', 'Ballet' by Praetorius, and 'Maid of Mourne'. Just prior to the ceremony's commencement, we played a lilting traditional Irish melody - 'Be Thou My Vision'. As the processional began, the family members entered to 'Sheep May Safely Graze', the attendants to 'Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring', and the bride to Pachebel's 'Canon'.
Following the exchange of vows, the couple walked down the aisle to 'Trumpet Voluntary', followed by Telemann's 'Presto', and Beethoven's 'Ode to Joy'.

We then moved inside to the library where drinks were served and the guests relaxed and chatted while pictures were taken. There, we played several pieces by various artists, originally written as flute duets which we enjoyed trading the first and second parts back and forth. In addition to our classical pieces, we threw 'When You Wish Upon A Star', 'My Favorite Things', 'Unchained Melody', 'La Vie En Rose', 'My Romance', 'When I Fall in Love', and a tango titled 'La Paloma' into the mix.

As a courtesy to those planning future weddings, this photograph was taken at approximately 3:30 p.m. on August 8, 2009.

Vail's Memorial Park

As musicians, many of our performances involve the celebration of life's events. And while we play for many weddings - the beginning of a couple's life together, we also have opportunities to participate in memorial services to celebrate a life well lived.

Today we played for the memorial service of a long time Vail resident at the Vail Memorial Park. Against the mountain with the wildflowers, flagstone paths, and river gurgling by, nature too seemed to celebrate the life of this amazing woman.




It was an honor to be asked to share our music with those who came to celebrate the life of their loved one and pay their respects. It was especially an honor to play in such a beautiful venue. While our music was strictly classical, it seemed to bounce off of the rocks and cascade along with the water, joining the birds and the wind in nature's soothing lullaby.

Beaver Creek Wedding

 

This past weekend we had another great wedding at the Beaver Creek Chapel. It seems like the chapel is always a gorgeous wedding venue, no matter the season.

As we walked into the chapel, the back doors which lead to a small deck were open and a light breeze blew through, scenting the room with aromas of the nearby creek, pines, and mountains.

Matching the beauty and the mountain ambiance, we started out our prelude with a less known piece titled 'Bygone Days', followed by a Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah'. We then slid into a more classical stream with Corelli, Bach, Beethoven, Vivaldi, and Haydn pieces.

As the processionals began, we played 'Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring' as the parents and honored guests entered, followed by Pachebel's 'Canon' as the attendants entered. The bride followed, entering to Wagner's traditional 'Bridal March'.

As the unity candle was lit, we quietly played a selection from Bach's 'Arioso'. Finally, as this beautiful ceremony ended and the couple was pronounced man and wife for the first time, we played 'King William's March' by Clarke, followed by 'Trumpet Voluntary' - also by Clarke.
As the couple and their guests exited to the steps where bubbles were blown over them, we finished with Handel's 'La Rejouissance' and 'Hornpipe'.

The Ritz Carlton at Bachelor Gulch

We recently performed for a wedding at the Ritz Carlton in Bachelor Gulch. The weather definitely lent itself to the occasion with skies of blue, and a light breeze keeping it cool.

As we arrived to set up, we noted that The Ritz had made some great improvements to their wedding area. In a slightly new location, timber work frames the wedding area, a wood chip path strewn with rose petals serves as an aisle, and mountains provide a majestic backdrop. Very well done - breathtaking.



Our music for this wedding was strictly classical. We played Bach's 'Arioso', and Corelli's 'Pastorale' for the prelude. We were asked to play Haydn's 'Emperor's Hymn' (also known as Austria) just before the processional. This was a new piece which we hadn't previously played, but what a beautiful piece! We were happy to add it to our repertoire.

The wedding party entered to Bach's 'Air', and as the party was quite large, it was repeated several times with different variations each time. The bride entered to Pachebel's 'Canon'. The ceremony was conducted by family members and included a very interesting 'handfasting ceremony'. For the recessional, we played Bach's 'Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring', followed by Handel's 'La Rejouissance'.

While we use many of the same pieces for different weddings, it is always interesting to see how differently they turn out musically. While we often use 'Jesu' as part of the processional, this may have been the first time we've used it as a recessional piece. We played it just a bit more quickly and brightly and it turned out great.

On a personal note, while we played for this beautiful wedding, my breath caught for a moment. Sometimes I forget what a privilege it is to live locally in the Vail Valley, and to be able to share my music. As I took in the vistas and scenery, I recognized once again how much I really love to live and play in the mountains, working with our clients, to help make their day into something they'll remember for forever.

Vail Interfaith Chapel & The Betty Ford Alpine Gardens

On the last weekend in June, we had the opportunity to play for two beautiful weddings.

The first was in the Vail Interfaith Chapel. Joanne Moore of Meadow and Mountains was the wedding coordinator. She amazingly transformed the chapel with the runners, flowers, and swaths of material which were draped along the pews.

For our part, the music was strictly classical and we started off the prelude with Bach's "Air". We continued with Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring", "Sheep May Safely Graze", and "Arioso". We then went into some of Handel's Water music because it led into the processional music. The attendants entered to Handel's "Air", and the bride to Pachebel's "Canon".

During the lighting of the unity candle, we played Liszt's "Liebstraum", and Beethoven's "Ode to Joy" as the recessional. We finished with several celebratory pieces including Hornpipe, La Rejouisannce, Trumpet, Tune and Trumpet Voluntary.


The second wedding was in Vail's Betty Ford Alpine Gardens. While afternoon rain was on the forecast, the skies were blue and it ended up gorgeous, and rain free.

 

While we played several classical pieces by Bach, Handel, and Mozart, the wedding party entered to Pachebel's "Canon". This piece was great as the parties crossed the footbridge, entered from the back, and also descended from the steps. As Canon's counterpoint wraps and layers itself, this piece is ideal for seamless repetition.
In a non-traditional fun twist, the bride came down the steps to the Beatles' "Here Comes the Sun". Also, instead of a unity candle, the parents came together and planted seeds to Bach's "Sheep May Safely Graze". We played Purcell's "Trumpet Tune" for the recessional and also ended with several celebratory pieces.

We truly enjoy the individuality of every wedding we play for, and love to see the couples with whom we've worked with for several months as everything they've planned for finally comes together.

Congratulations to both of these couples - we enjoyed playing for them!