The Amherst String Ensemble

• Amy Bateman, Michelle Painter, Madeline Jansen - violin
• Kaila Graef, Hillary Tanaka, Greg Diehl - viola
• Nicole Fizznoglia, Wayne Smith - cello
• VIOLIN/ GUITAR DUO: -
• Amy Bateman - violin
• Charlie Apicella - guitar

Our musicians frequently perform at Carnegie Hall and on PBS stations throughout the US. They perform all over the country with such internationally renowned artists as Tim Janis, Kanye West, Marco Antonio Solis, and the Three Mo Tenors.

Members of our group have earned music degrees from New England Conservatory, Eastman School of Music, University of Massachusetts, Berklee College of Music, Boston University, and Boston Conservatory. Orchestras performed with include the Hartford Symphony, Springfield Symphony, Orlando Philharmonic, and Pensacola Symphony. Our leader Amy is also a jazz musician and leads CIDADE, one of the most in-demand jazz and tango bands in New England.

The Amherst String Ensemble provides the perfect musical touch for any occasion! Our musicians are among the highest quality professionals in New England, and are willing to work with you to accommodate all of your musical needs. We offer many ensemble formats ranging from a solo string instrument, to duo, trio, or string quartet; winds may also be added.

Our repertoire is vast and is comprised of classical, popular, religious, jazz, international, and folk styles. We do take song requests and will happily find music or arrange a few tunes for you. Some past requests include Beatles, Elvis, Italian favorites, and Celtic music.

Anniversaries, Bachelor Parties, Bachelorette Parties, Banquets, Birthday Parties, Children's Birthday Parties, Celebrations, Christenings, Christmas Parties, Church Services, Clubs, Community Events, Conventions, Corporate Functions, Dinner Dances, Festivals, Fund Raisers, Funerals, Graduation Parties, Grand Openings, Halloween Parties, Picnic, Private Parties, Proms, Restaurants, Sweet 16 Parties, Weddings, Wedding Ceremonies, Wedding Cocktail Hours, Wedding Receptions...and more.

• The string trio that played for our wedding was fabulous. Guests continually told us how much they enjoyed them. It was truly a pleasure to have them at our wedding - they made the day just perfect! -- Miriam G, Manchester, CT, 10/2/2011
• This is a long overdue rating! Three musicians from the Amherst String Ensemble performed at our wedding in Middletown, Connecticut last year. They found two special pieces of music for me and were incredibly accommodating and easy to work with. They sounded spectacular. Our guests raved about both their playing at the church and during our cocktail hour (which I sadly missed due to pictures!). We received a dvd of our wedding recently and it featured the work of the trio, most of which I didn't get to hear or see, and it reminded me of the wonderful work they did. Thank you so much for being part of our day - everything was superb! -- Allison C, Middletown, CT, 10/9/2010
• Everyone involved was so kind and supportive. The music sounded great in the space and they turned around arrangements quickly...really, we couldn't have been happier with our experience! -- Ned M, North Adams, MA, 10/9/2011
• The Amherst String Ensemble was wonderful! They were prompt, professional and very talented! They not only met, but exceeded our expectations. They were exactly what my daughter & her husband were hoping for and we would most certainly consider them for another function. -- Yvonne P, Simsbury, CT, 11/5/2011
• Great to work with, extremely professional, on time and continued to play past the time indicated by the contract. All of our guests really enjoyed the music. I would strongly recommend the Amherst String Ensemble and hire them again. Brian -- Brian D, Northampton, MA, 5/12/2012
• The Amherst String Ensemble was exremely professional, personal, and extremely talented. Their balance and blending was spot on! their mixing of different types and styles of music plaased everyone at the wedding. The playing gave the wedding a great touch and sound for the wedding. Being a violin player myself, I was very impressed as to their music ability and blending in all the music they played. I would not hesitate to hire them again and again at twice the fee they charged! Thanks so much ASE! - Greg Straut -- Gregory S, Montague, MA, 5/26/2012
• The music sounded so very beautiful both in the church and at the reception, it was more than we could have prayed or hoped for. My husband and I truly enjoyed the classical string trio.Our guests were delighted and thoroughly enjoyed themselves throughout the day.Several guests commented on how not only what an excellent time they had but just how perfect and elegant everything was, my mother included in that review. I would strongly recommend the amherst string ensemble for others events without hesitation.The string trio helped make our vision of our wedding day come true.We truly appreciated the pure talent, professionalism, and quality of all involved. -- Jennifer M, Worcester, MA, 5/30/2012
• Amazing, they were so incredibly accommodating! They were very flexible in my wedding which was a unique size and venue. Amy let me contact her and responded to every question and change I had. I was thrilled, would highly recommend!!! -- Kelly R, Lenox, MA, 5/19/2012
• They were AMAZING!!!! Enough said... :) -- Shawn D, Westminster, MA, 9/19/2009
• The Amherst String Ensemble (we had a violinist and guitarist) was extremely professional. They accommodated all of our requests for music and were easy to get in touch with. We are very thankful. -- Jenn W, Saratoga Springs, NY, 7/11/2009
• The Amherst String Ensemble was an excellent find for us. It was a last-minute hire, and they were exceptional. Their music made our daughter's wedding very special as they worked with us on a couple of special requests. Many of the guests commented on how lovely the music was, and I couldn't agree more! -- Polly S, Waterford, CT, 8/30/2008
• They were excellent and Amy Bateman was a very professional representative for the group. The music helped to make our wedding ceremony special. -- Lisa A, Brookfield, MA, 8/16/2008
• The Amhherst String Ensemble really helped to make our ceremony extra special. We are extremely glad we were able to book them on short notice. I would say that the performance was flawless and we would highly recommend them. -- John H, Cooperstown, NY, 6/28/2008

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