Would you like live music for your wedding, baptism or memorial service? We would be delighted to perform for you and create moving, memorable moments. You can choose the instrumental line-up — piano, cello and, if desired, a singer — and select the pieces that mean the most to you.
Irina is a classically trained pianist and organist. On request, she can perform classical pieces on the piano or church organ.
In most churches, we perform acoustically. For congregations of 50 people or more, we recommend discussing whether a sound system would be helpful.
Music is a wonderful way to express emotion, which is why it plays such an important role on your wedding day. The right musical accompaniment shapes the atmosphere and brings out the romance and joy of the occasion.
Live music sets the mood
A skilled singer or a piano and cello duo can provide beautiful accompaniment to your wedding ceremony. Whatever you choose, make sure the performers are experienced and confident in their craft. Musicians who regularly perform at weddings will usually offer a varied repertoire and may be able to prepare your favourite song especially for your ceremony.
Our tip: Listen to the musicians beforehand, either live or through a recording. Arrange an initial conversation to get to know them and discuss your musical wishes, so you know what to expect on the day.
Hymns for a church wedding
Would you like the organ to accompany your entrance? Our pianist is also an organist. Together, you can choose suitable pieces for your wedding. If you wish to bring your own musicians, discuss the arrangements with the officiant. Some churches also allow recorded music to be played quietly through a sound system. For singing during the ceremony, you could involve the church choir, a solo singer or a talented guest.
How many pieces should you plan? There is no fixed rule: it depends on the structure of your ceremony and your preferences. Traditionally, music is played for the entrance, after the marriage ceremony and for the recessional . If you choose recorded music, appoint someone to play each piece at the right moment.
Popular songs to sing together
Invite your guests to take an active part in the ceremony by choosing familiar songs that you can sing together . Agree on suitable pieces with the officiant. Not every pop song is appropriate for a church service, although gentle ballads are often welcomed. A choir can help encourage everyone to join in. A shared song can be a beautiful way to conclude a moving ceremony.
Our tip: Create a personalised order of service with the song lyrics, readings and sequence of the ceremony. It will also give your guests a lovely keepsake.
A surprise performance by guests
Are you attending a wedding, do you sing or play in a band, and would you like to surprise the couple with a performance? Such a personal gift can become a lasting memory. Coordinate it beforehand with someone who knows the wedding schedule, such as a parent or a member of the wedding party. On the day, also agree with the person responsible for the music when you can use the equipment and what you need to bear in mind.
Music during the wedding reception
After the ceremony, music continues to shape the celebration. Think about the atmosphere you would like to create and how to keep your guests enjoying the evening. Would a live band or a DJ be the best choice for dancing? A varied programme can appeal to different tastes. Recommendations from friends and family can help you find experienced wedding musicians.
Highlights from our repertoire:
- Wedding March from A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy
- Bridal Chorus from Lohengrin: Richard Wagner
- Canon in D major: Johann Pachelbel
- Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring: Johann Sebastian Bach
- Arrival of the Queen of Sheba: Georg Friedrich Händel
- Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen
- Hallelujah – Messiah: G. F. Händel
- Prelude in C major: Johann Sebastian Bach
- Ave Maria: Bach–Gounod
- Air: Johann Sebastian Bach
- Ave verum corpus: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
- Air from Orchestral Suite No. 3: Johann Sebastian Bach
- Arioso: Johann Sebastian Bach
- The Swan: Camille Saint-Saëns
- Ave Maria: Franz Schubert or Bach–Gounod
A thousand years: Christina Perri
- You Raise Me Up: Josh Groban
- Morning has broken: Cat Stevens
- Amazing Grace: Gospel
- All of Me: John Legend
- Can’t help falling in love: Elvis Presley
- Various preludes by Johann Sebastian Bach (BWV 541, 553, 556 and others)
- Ave Maria: Piazzolla
- O happy day: Edwin Hawkins
- Largo (from Xerxes): G. F. Händel
- Toccata in D minor: Johann Sebastian Bach
- Air in F major: Georg Friedrich Händel
- Love me tender: Elvis Presley
- All you need is love: The Beatles
- Love of my life: Queen
- Circle of life: Elton John
- Liebestraum: Liszt
- Can you feel the love tonight: Elton John
- Your song: Elton John
- The power of love: Jennifer Rush
- Fields of gold: Sting
- I Will Always Love You: Whitney Houston
- One moment in time: Whitney Houston
- You Are The Sunshine Of My Life: Stevie Wonder
- You’ll Be in My Heart: Phil Collins
- Somewhere Over the rainbow: Harold Arlen
- Without you: Mariah Carey
- Have I told you lately: Rod Stewart
- If you don’t know me by now: Simply Red
- What a wonderful world: Louis Armstrong
- Perfect: Ed Sheeran
- Thinking Out Loud: Ed Sheeran
- Imagine: John Lennon
- Here Comes The Sun: The Beatles
- Here, there and everywhere: The Beatles
- La-la Land, Mia & Sebastian’s Theme: Justin Hurwitz
- Love story: Francis Lai
Beauty and the beast: Alan Menken
Song from a Secret garden: Rolf Løvland
With or Without You: U2
My heart will go on: Celine Dion
Moon river: Henry Mancini
Hello: Lionel Richie
Angels: Robbie Williams
La vie en rose: Louiguy, Édith Piaf
Feather Theme: from « Forrest Gump »
River Flows in You
Romeo and Juliet
Right Here Waiting: Richard Marx
Love’s Divine: Seal
I don’t wanna miss a thing: Aerosmith
Everything I do: Bryan Adams
She’s the one: Robbie Williams
Wonderful tonight: Eric Clapton
ABOUT US, SwissDuo:
Pianist and composer Irina Grebaus and cellist Sandi Toka Nova have performed together as a duo for many years. Both trained in classical music at an advanced level. Their repertoire brings together popular melodies, film music, jazz standards, bossa nova and well-known classical works.
Author: C.Weidemann