Where do you perform and what are your travel rates?

We perform in Banff, Canmore, Emerald Lake, Golden, Invermere, Kananaskis and Lake Louise. There is no travel fee for Banff and Canmore, please inquire for travel rates to other locations.”

What are your set-up requirements?

One great thing about string musicians is that we are very mobile and only require two chairs without arms for our set up. Let us know if there is not adequate lighting for music reading and we will bring additional lighting.

Are you able to change locations during a booking?

Yes, as mentioned we are very mobile and it will take only a few minutes to move our instruments, stands and music.

What are your requirements for breaks?

To play at our optimum, we require a 10 minute break for every hour played. We can be flexible when we take our break(s) to suit the time-line of your event (coordinating with speeches, etc.).

Can you play overtime?

We understand that sometimes event timelines don’t proceed exactly as planned. If you would like us to play past the booked time as outlined in our contract, we are happy to do so (based on availability and at the discretion of the musicians). Overtime rates are included in the contract.

How can I hear samples of your playing?

We have some video clips on this website for you to watch or feel free to check out our youtube channel for additional clips.
Youtube channel for additional clips.

We also offer a no obligation, complimentary meeting with a member of the ensemble. This allows you to meet with us face to face, to ask any questions you have, discuss and to hear live music samples.

How do we choose the music for a wedding ceremony?

We normally choose music for the prelude based on your musical tastes. For the processional, signing of the register and recessional you can peruse at our sample repertoire list on this website and let us know if there are any specific selections you would like us to play.

Do we have to choose specific selections or can we leave those decisions up to the musicians?

We know how busy planning a wedding or event can be and if you just let us know if there is a specific style you would like we can do the rest.

Can you accommodate special requests?

We do our best to accommodate all special requests. If we are unable to purchase the music for our ensemble we will organize getting a special arrangement written. We work with a number of talented composers and arrangers who have done some incredible arrangements for us.

How do we choose music for a reception or special event?

Because we will be playing a lot of repertoire for longer bookings we ask that you simply let us know if there is a particular atmosphere or style you are trying to create (i.e. upbeat and celebratory or relaxed and elegant) and we will select music to enhance your event.

Can you play outdoors?

Yes we can. However, while we love the outdoors, we have to be careful to protect our valuable and fragile instruments. Both of our instruments are over 150 years old and are very valuable to us. Because of that, we cannot perform outdoors in inclement weather, including any form of precipitation without shelter or in temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius. Even one drop of rain could cause permanent damage to our instruments. When it is possible please choose a location that offers shade or provide us with a shelter, as direct sunlight can damage our instruments.

How can I hear a sample of your other ensembles besides your duet?

We don’t have audio or video samples of our trio or string quartet ensemble since the duet is our most popular and standard grouping.

What do the musicians wear for events?

Men normally wear black suits and women dressy black unless otherwise requested, but please let us know if there is a specific dress code for your event i.e.: business casual, cocktail attire, black tie, etc.

How do I book Ensemble Cascade for my event?

Send us an email at ensemble.cascade@gmail.com or call us at 403-762-2676 and we let you know our availability, rates and other details.