Cala Strings

String Trio — Rich, Balanced Sound for Any Setting

Violin, viola, and cello — full harmonic depth without the full quartet price.

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World-Class Credentials

"Our musicians have performed with Rod Stewart, appeared on Saturday Night Live, and toured with world-renowned artists. We bring that same level of excellence to your event."

Rod StewartSaturday Night LiveMadison Square GardenWorld-renowned touring artists

Instruments

Violin, Viola, Cello

Ideal For

Weddings (50-150 guests), cocktail hours, corporate dinners, intimate receptions

A string trio delivers a surprisingly full, rich sound that bridges the gap between the intimacy of a duo and the grandeur of a quartet. With violin, viola, and cello, you get complete harmonic coverage — melody, harmony, and bass — in a slightly more intimate package. Cala Strings’ trio features the same world-class musicians as our quartet, delivering the same concert-level performance.

The Trio Advantage

A string trio offers the best of both worlds: the rich, complete sound that comes from three distinct instruments covering the full tonal range, with a slightly more intimate presence than a full quartet. Many couples and event planners find the trio to be the perfect fit — it fills the room beautifully without overwhelming smaller spaces.

Trio vs. Quartet

The main difference is the second violin. A quartet has two violins, which adds an extra layer of melodic richness and volume. A trio (violin, viola, cello) covers the same harmonic range with slightly less volume. For indoor events with 50-150 guests, a trio is often ideal. For large outdoor venues or events over 150 guests, the quartet provides more presence.

Perfect for Cocktail Hours

A string trio is one of our most requested configurations for cocktail hours. Three musicians provide enough musical presence to set a sophisticated atmosphere while remaining background-friendly for conversation. The combination of violin, viola, and cello is warm and inviting — exactly the energy you want during cocktails.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a trio and a quartet?
A string trio (violin, viola, cello) provides a rich, full sound suitable for most events. A string quartet (two violins, viola, cello) adds an extra layer of harmonic depth and volume, making it ideal for larger venues and outdoor settings. For intimate indoor ceremonies, a trio is often perfect. For grand ballrooms or outdoor celebrations, a quartet delivers the fullest sound.
How much does live music for cocktail hour cost?
Cocktail hour music typically runs 45-60 minutes. A string duo starts around $800, a trio around $1,200, and a full quartet around $1,800 for cocktail hour. Many couples bundle cocktail hour with ceremony music for a package rate.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking 3-6 months in advance for weddings, especially during peak season (October through May in South Florida). Corporate events and private parties can often be accommodated with 2-4 weeks notice, depending on availability. Popular dates book quickly, so earlier is always better.
Can you play specific songs or take requests?
Absolutely. We have a repertoire of over 300 songs spanning classical, pop, rock, R&B, Latin, jazz, and film scores. If your requested song isn't already in our repertoire, we can create a custom arrangement for an additional fee. We encourage couples to share their must-play and do-not-play lists during the planning process.

Compare Ensembles

String QuartetString DuoCocktail Hour MusicView Pricing

Book a String Trio

Contact Cala Strings to check availability and get a personalized quote.

Get a Quote Call (305) 555-0100