Kestrel String Quartet
Formed in 2023 in reaction to the sudden dissolution of the Kitchener-Waterloo-Symphony, the Kestrel String Quartet comprises former KWS colleagues with a commitment to music making of the highest calibre. Coming from a diverse background of musical education and professional experience, we are comfortable in contemporary as well as historical performance practice techniques and everything in between. Whether onstage at a formal concert series or providing background to your ceremony or event, we value professionalism and artistry above all and aim to create an elevated experience that's accessible for everyone.
What We Offer
Concerts
Wedding Ceremonies
Corporate Events
Special Occasions
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Music Samples
Wildest Dreams - Taylor Swift
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Arrival of the Queen of Sheba - George Frideric Handel
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Flower Duet from Lakme - Léo Delibes
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Eleanor Rigby - The Beatles
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Rather Be - Clean Bandit ft. Jess Glynne
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Gymnopédie 1 - Erik Satie
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Misty - Errol Garner
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WHAT WE OFFER
Investment
Quartet
from $1000
4 musicians
$1000 first hour
$900 subsequent hours
Trio
from $750
3 musicians
$750 first hour
$675 subsequent hours
Duo
from $500
2 musicians
$500 first hour
$450 subsequent hours
Solo
from $300
1 musician
$300 first hour
$250 subsequent hours
Always Included:
Customized Playlist: A custom playlist to fit various phases of your event, from cocktail hour to main ceremony or dinner.Local Coverage: Travel within the Kitchener-Waterloo area, with no added travel charges. (Please note that locations outside the Kitchener-Waterloo/Cambridge area may be subject to travel fees. Please inquire for more details.)Consultations: Initial consultation to plan your musical needs, followed by a pre-event check-in to finalize details.
Example Wedding Ceremony
An example of what you will receive for a one-hour wedding ceremony booking:15 minutes of prelude music
(Either your choice of style or left up to our discretion.)Music for the processional(s), signing, and recessional
Your choice of style or left up to our discretion.)5 minutes postlude music
(As guests socialize and move on to the next phase of the event.)We also offer cocktail or dinner hour background music and can take requests for special selections and offer custom arrangements at an additional fee. Please inquire for more details.
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Request A Quote
Ready to make some magic? Simply fill out the form below for a custom quote. If you have a question not covered on our FAQ page, you can also email us at: kestrelquartet@gmail.com
Our Musicians
Allene Chomyn, Violin
A native of Western Canada, Allene Chomyn holds a Bachelor of Music Performance with Distinction from the University of Victoria (2005) and a Master of Music Performance from the University of Toronto (2007). She was a member of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony from 2007-2023 and was featured as Concertmaster and soloist multiple times.Allene can be seen performing regularly as Concertmaster of the Spiritus Ensemble and the Stratford Symphony Orchestra, and joining many other ensembles throughout Southern Ontario. One of Allene’s career highlights was being selected from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the YouTube Symphony Orchestra (2011) which included a trip to Australia to perform in the Sydney Opera House, and whose performance became the largest live-streaming concert event in YouTube history, with over 30 million streams. Allene lives in Kitchener with her husband, bassist Ian Whitman, their two children, and their cute dog, Spike.
Nora Pellerin, Violin
Nora Pellerin completed her Masters in Violin Performance at the University of Ottawa, under the tutelage of David Stewart, and received the Bessie Ewen Scholarship in Orchestral Studies. She got her undergraduate degree at McGill University, studying with Ellen Jewett and Andrew Dawes.Nora has considerable experience playing with orchestras, including acting as concertmaster for the McGill Symphony Orchestra, University of Ottawa Symphony Orchestra and University of Ottawa Opera Orchestra. She was an apprentice with the Boris Brott National Academy Orchestra for many summers. Today, Nora performs with orchestras throughout Ontario, including those of London, Niagara, Windsor, Kingston and the (now former) Kitchener Waterloo Symphony. She was principal second in the Georgian Bay Symphony for many years, and more recently holds that position with the Peterborough Symphony. In addition, she has participated in several summer music programs, including Domaine Forget in Quebec and the Toronto Summer Music Academy and Festival.
Rebecca Diderrich, Viola
Born in London ON, Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Music Performance degree from the University of Toronto where she studied with Lorand Fenyves, and a Professional Performance Certificate from Lynn University in Boca Raton Florida where she studied with Ralph Fielding. While living in Florida, Rebecca was the principal violist of the Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra where she also appeared as a soloist.She was a violist with both the Palm Beach Opera and Florida Grand Opera orchestras for many years, and played frequently with the Naples Philharmonic and the Palm Beach Chamber Music Festival. Rebecca also worked as a studio musician in Miami, recording on albums produced for many artists including Gloria Estefan, Christian Castro and Natalie Cole. After returning to Canada to raise her children closer to home, Rebecca became a member of the (now former) Kitchener Waterloo Symphony.
Miriam Stewart-Kroeker, Cello
Miriam Stewart-Kroeker is a versatile cellist based in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario. She was a tenured member of the (now former) Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony and is a founding member of the Andromeda Piano Trio.Miriam studied with Paul Pulford and the Penderecki String Quartet at Wilfrid Laurier University, where she received an Honours Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance as well as a Diploma in Chamber Music Performance. She went on to complete a Master’s degree in Cello Performance at McGill University under the direction of Matt Haimovitz.
On top of performing with various orchestras throughout Ontario, Miriam is an active chamber musician and soloist. The Andromeda Trio recently received two grants from Canada Council for the Arts and the Region of Waterloo Arts Fund to commission and record a piece by local composer, Karen Sunabacka, which explores Métis-Mennonite relations in Canada, inspired by Karen and Miriam’s ancestries on Treaty 1 territory.
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Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Q: Do you offer other ensembles or instrumentation besides a traditional string quartet?
A: yes, we are able to perform in any combination, from solo all the way to quartet, to suit your venue and budget. You will have the opportunity to choose what ensemble you'd like to book when requesting a quote.Q: How much will my event cost?
A: This will depend on the number of musicians requested and the length of your event. For more details, please visit our Investment page or submit a Quote Request.Q: Do you offer any customizations or special requests?
A: Yes, we're happy to accommodate special musical requests or custom arrangements for an additional fee. *Please mention this in your quote form.Q: What types of events do you perform at?
A: We specialize in a wide range of events including weddings, corporate events, galas, and special occasions.Q: How far in advance should I book?
A: We recommend booking as early as you can. Some dates, especially during peak seasons, get filled up quickly. It's best not to risk missing out on your preferred date!A 50% deposit is required to reserve your date(s).
Musical Selection & Performance
Q: What genres of music do you offer?
A: Our repertoire includes classical, contemporary, or a mix of both. We're open to specific requests as well.Q: Do you offer any customizations or special requests?
A: Yes, we're happy to accommodate special musical requests or custom arrangements for an additional fee. *Please mention this in your quote form.Q: What do the musicians wear?
A: Unless otherwise directed, we dress formally in all black.
Logistics & Technical
Q: What kind of space does the quartet need for a performance?
A: Ideally, we require a space that is at least 2.5m x 3m in size, along with four armless chairs. Electrical access may be necessary if natural lighting isn't sufficient for reading our sheet music. For outdoor events, a canopy or similar covering is essential to protect our instruments.Q: Do you provide your own equipment?
A: Yes, we bring our own instruments to all events. Due to the delicate nature of string instruments, we are not able to play in the rain or cold.Q: What is your payment policy?
A: We require a 50% deposit to secure your booking, with the remaining balance due on the day of the event.Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A: Deposits are non-refundable. If you need to reschedule, a rebooking fee will be charged to secure the new date, subject to our availability. This fee is in addition to the original deposit.Q: What geographical areas do you cover?
A: We primarily serve the Kitchener-Waterloo region, but we're open to traveling for events. Additional fees may apply for locations outside this area.
If you have additional questions, feel free to Contact Us.
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