A trio who are bound to play on your heart strings
Last updated 10:10, Monday, 09 June 2008
Two Violins and a Cello are three women who have brought together their long and wide-ranging musical experience to help add that special touch to your wedding day.
Margaret Hancock, from Abbeytown, was the driving force behind the creation of the group and – along with Louise Peacock, of Ireby, and Ruth Pickles, of Workington – formed the trio two years ago.
They all met while working for Cumbria Schools Music Service.
Margaret said: “I wanted to put a professional group together because I wanted to play in a group. A trio is a good number and I think it is important that we all know each other well.
“When we get together we always have a good time and I think this is reflected in our performances.”
They have a large repertoire and can play all styles of music, from classical and folk to blues and pop.
Performances are tailor-made to suit the couple and the trio can play before the wedding ceremony as guests arrive, as the bride walks down the aisle, during the signing of the register, as the bride and groom leave the ceremony and during the drinks reception and wedding breakfast.
As an acoustic group they can also play outdoors.
Film music, tracks by the Beatles, Vivaldi’s Summer, Handel’s Water Music, Summertime by Gershwin and Pachelbel’s Canon in D are just a few examples of the music they play.
“We are versatile musicians and will arrange the musical score,” said Margaret. “The music can often get forgotten about in among all the other wedding preparations, but I think it makes a difference to have live music on your wedding day.
“We spend a lot of time practising so that each performance is perfect.”
Violinist Margaret studied at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester and has performed with the Northern Symphony Orchestra, Chetham School of Music and Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. She has worked as a freelance teacher and performer and worked for the Cumbria Schools Music Service for 19 years, taking time away from music when she had daughter Emma, a renowned violinist, and Joseph.
She became a freelance again last year and decided to form a group.
Louise plays the first violin in the group and also studied at the Royal Northern College of Music. Her musical career has seen her travelling the world with the legendary Bryan Ferry and Roxy Music and she has backed David Gray and Lisa Stansfield.
She has also played and toured with local folk group Tarnis and still teaches for Cumbria Music Service.
Ruth Pickles, from Workington, studied cello and the piano at the Royal Academy of Music in London and has performed chamber music and played with orchestras. She also teaches for Cumbria Schools Music Service.
Two Violins and a Cello perform concerts and also play at corporate events and birthdays.
A free sample CD is available on request. For more information contact Margaret on 016973 61077.
