The Musicians in the Northbrook String Quartet represent some of Chicagoland’s finest string players. All four members have performed with major symphonies around the world including the Chicago Civic Orchestra, the Navy Pier Symphonic Pops Orchestra, the Chicago Symphonic Pops Orchestra, the Metropolitan Arts Orchestra, the Khaokov Philharmonic Society Symphony Orchestra and the Northbrook Symphony Orchestra (where they met).

Having performed at hundreds of functions including weddings, corporate functions, gala fundraisers, private parties and other special functions, the Northbrook String Quartet musicians have studied their crafts at some of the worlds finest universities and under the tutelage of some of the world’s finest string teachers. Their experience and passion for what they do show with each performance. Elegant Ensembles is proud to represent this fine String Quartet, and has received much praise for the work they’ve done.

Taking their name from a movement of one of Vivaldi’s most celebrated pieces, the Autumn String Trio enjoys playing music for all seasons. With individuals committed to the passion of music making, their talents and personalities bring charisma to any event.

Whether you are looking for the rich sounds of strings as you celebrate your wedding ceremony, or want to enjoy dynamic and elegant music during a reception, the Autumn String Trio can provide. Their experience is extensive; having performed at literally hundreds of ceremonies, receptions and private events, they have delighted listeners all over Chicagoland.

A variety of musical styles are available including the traditional Classical favorites as well Waltzes, Rags, Opera music and "contemporary" pieces from Broadway musicals and Big Screen Movies. Vibrant tone and rich harmonies lift the spirits of those who hear the magical sounds of the two violins and cello in the Autumn String Trio.

The talented performers of the Tre Musica String trio are available for a variety of events. Their repertoire is mostly classical and lends itself well to Elegant affairs such as weddings, private cocktail parties, dinner parties and corporate affairs. Full time music makers, they each have devoted their lives to making music.

The three members of the Chiffonade Flute-String Trio recently came to Chicagoland as members of a six piece ensemble called Eighth Blackbird. Hailed as ambassadors of new music, eighth blackbird has a growing reputation for its astounding musical versatility as well as for its dedication to the works of today’s composers. The sextet, currently ensemble-in-residence at Northwestern University and the University of Chicago, was honored in 2000 with the prestigious Naumburg Chamber Music Award and the first BMI/Boudleaux-Bryant Fund Commission.

All the members of the trio have graduated from Oberlin College Conservatory and have a multitude of experience playing together, as well as, playing solo. They have individually competed in the Oberlin Concerto Competition and won awards. They have studied with and been taught by several well- known and accomplished teachers.

Flute player Molly Alicia Barth holds a B.M. in performance from Oberlin and an A.D. in chamber music from Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. She is registered in an Early Childhood Education program as a Music Together teacher. She facilitates classes for children ages 0-5 and their parents.

Mark Albert holds an B.M. in Violin and a B.A. in English from Oberlin and an A.D. in chamber music also from the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. He recently opened a violin and viola studio at the Lake Forest Symphony Music School.

Nicholas Photinos holds a B.M. in Cello performance form Oberlin. As a soloist, he has given the world premiere of the Cello Concerto in D Minor by Grace Vamos. He is a former bassist and his interest in Jazz has led him to study with members of the Turtle Island String Quartet.

Together, the three musicians, in Chiffonade are available to bring world class talent to any wedding ceremony, reception, cocktail party or corporate event!

Bring together two talented musicians, mix in a little passion and a lot of enthusiasm, and you have the Skyline Violin-Guitar Duet. With the romantic charm of the violin and the tender sounds of the guitar, this is an ensemble that can accommodate many styles and many types of events.

Ken Rothacker has been involved with instrumental music since he started playing the trumpet while in elementary school. After teaching himself guitar while in junior high, Ken went on to earn a scholarship to study classical guitar as a music major at the University of Illinois. While studying at Illinois with Professor Paul Cox, Ken participated in master classes with a number of elite guitarists, including Manuel Barruecco, Robert Guthrie, Sharon Isbin, Michael Newman, and Turibio Santos. Since graduating from Illinois, Ken has maintained an active playing schedule, performing both as a solo guitarist as well as with several groups, for numerous weddings, corporate events, concerts, and church services. Ken’s playing has been heard on radio stations including WMBI-FM and WGN-AM. June of 2008 marked a 3rd return appearance to Chicago’s Wrigley Field, where Ken’s solo guitar version of “The Star Spangled Banner” has been featured before several Cub’s games. Ken is extremely versatile in style and repertoire feeling just as comfortable playing a Classical Concerto, Swinging Jazz standard or Beatles Rock Classic.

Violinist April Berkowski holds her Bachelor of Music from Elmhurst College and has played violin for over 30 years. Originally trained in the Classical genre, April’s interest in jazz, pop and world music has seen her recently explore the stylings of non-traditional violin styles. With several hundred wedding ceremonies and countless other types of events under her belt, she is just as home playing in a classical string quartet, a Slavic gypsy ensemble, with a rock guitarist or in front of a jazz combo.

Together, April and Ken have explored a diverse range of songs for their repertoire. Consider using them for a charming wedding ceremony (indoors or outdoors!), a festive cocktail reception or an elegant dinner. With amplification available, they can perform in front of groups of up to 500 guests. Whether you are looking for classical styles to flamenco to jazz to pop, or rock, the Skyline Duet will bring sparkle to any special event.