I have had some clients ask if the Canon in D by Pachelbel can be played by violin solo. Here is a short excerpt of my arrangement.
Category Archives: Violin
Proposal
I had just gotten home from playing an Easter Sunday church service when the phone rang. It was an inquiry to play violin for a proposal the next day, Monday. I had the evening free so we worked out all the details. I was to arrive at 5:30 at the spa at the Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort. The couple would come in about 6pm, supposedly checking out the accommodations for a massage. The room would be decorated and I would play. Eight songs were chosen, the most important one being ” My Heart Will Go On”, the love theme from the movie, Titanic.
It was such a wonderful experience! The bride- to- be just glowed with happiness. It was all so romantic! The ladies who worked at the spa took pictures and a video. Phone calls were made to announce the happy news. This lovely couple was here visiting from Israel. It was a pleasure to meet them and be a part of their special memory of South Florida!
Edgewater Beach Hotel Vow Renewal
Last week, I got called early in the week to play violin solo for a vow renewal on Friday. The couple gave me freedom to choose the music, preferring mostly classical. Sandy and the staff at the Edgewater Beach Hotel did a tremendous job. It was a very intimate event and the weather was just perfect for a dinner on the beach. I really enjoyed performing for the 6 people for two hours, they were so kind. I feel fortunate to have gotten this last minute booking. 
Bridal Chorus
I have had several requests to hear Bridal Chorus played by violin solo.
Keeper of the Stars
This song is for Katie
Chamber Music Concerts
Last week on Feb 25 and 27th, I performed in 2 chamber music concerts as a member of “Musica Bella”. This ensemble of flute, violin, cello and keyboard was the inspiration of cellist Diane Coffman. Originally called the Rauschenburg Quartet, we had performed daytime concerts at the Rauschenburg Gallery in Fort Myers. I am so honored to be a part of this group playing violin with these talented musicians: Wendy Willis (flute), Diane Coffman (cello) and Dr. Ron Doiron (keyboard).
Diane arranged for us to play a noon concert at Florida Southwestern State College in their Rush Library. We had such a great turnout of students, many of whom had never heard live music. I know most of them had been strongly encouraged to be there by their professors but their response afterwards was so very rewarding.
For the second performance, we were invited by CAPA, Cultural and Performing Arts Center, to perform a concert as part of their series. This concert was held at the Marco Island Center for the Arts and titled an “ala carte” performance. The concert was scheduled at 6pm.
We repeated the concert we played at the college with a few additions. Wendy and Ron spoke to the crowd about the selections in this intimate atmosphere and everyone appreciated the historical information they provided.
Here was the program:
Quartet in d minor by Handel
Tangos by Wendy Loomis
Paris Quartet in G major by Telemann
Blues by T. Lucas
Salon Quartet No.5 with melodies by Schumann
Extras we played at the CAPA concert. Audience members got to play, “Name That Tune” for prizes. Great fun put together by Wendy!
Habanera by Bizet
Pineapple Rag by Joplin
Drinking Song from La Traviata by Verdi
New performances will be planned for the fall.
South Beach, Marco Island
I played solo violin for a wonderful event on Marco Island last night! Daughter Sandra arranged to have her parents renew their vows. It was their annual family reunion on South Beach, Marco island. Although living in California, she was able to plan the event and keep it all a surprise! It was the 47th anniversary for the parents and it looked like the whole family was able to be there. The weather was perfect on this August evening. I am so glad I brought my beach umbrella to provide some shade as I performed the wedding music.
Fellow vendors who were part of this celebration too were Phyllis, Officiant, of Weddings by Phyllis, Peggy Farren, Photographer, of Avant Garde Images and Peter and Debbie, videographers, from Irberseder Films. I don’t know who did the flowers but they were beautiful.
The guests began to arrive on the beach just before 6:00 pm. I played some classical pieces Sandra had told me she liked. When Phyllis walked onto the beach, I began to play Pachelbel’s Canon in D for the Entrance of the Family. As Sandra’s Mother walked out with her brother, I played the Bridal Chorus. I attached my mute to my instrument and continued to play softly throughout the ceremony. Sandra had requested these pieces: A Thousand Years, Bach Air, Bach Arioso and Schubert’s Ave Maria. When the couple kissed and were announced to the guests, I concluded the ceremony with the traditional Wedding March. As pictures were being taken afterwards, I played lively classical pieces such as Beethoven’s Ode to Joy; Handel’s Hornpipe, Vivaldi’s Spring; Handel’s Le Rejouissance, and Mozart’s Alleluia. I completed my hour of performance and the family moved on to their dinner. Such a friendly happy group and it was a pleasure to be a part of this special day!
La Playa Beach Resort
Easter is over and most of the snowbirds have gone back north. The La Playa Beach Resort was still abuzz with activity on this Thursday in April. According to Gail, concierge at La Playa, a lot of international guests are in Naples now. Usually coming during the summer months, they must have learned this is really an ideal time here: low humidity, low chance of rain, sunny days and nice breezes. This was all true on this evening for the wedding of Maria and Scot. This was a destination wedding for this couple from Illinois. It was a small wedding so I (Vivian Aiello) was here to play violin solo for this wedding ceremony held on the gulf lawn. It was great to see Emma Burdis, photographer, and Kevin Morris of Botanicals on the Gulf. Gail served as Officiant for the ceremony.
Maria requested classical music and the traditional Bridal Chorus and Wedding March. Since it was a small wedding party, I suggested the Rondeau by Mouret for the entrance of Gail, Scot , the Best Man and the Maid of Honor. When I play solo, I always give the option of having music played during the ceremony. I am able to mute my violin and play very softly. Maria liked this idea and so I played slower melodic pieces while Gail performed the ceremony and the couple repeated their vows to one another. After the ceremony, I played lively classical pieces while pictures were being taken. It was a perfect evening and a lovely sunset! Best wishes to Maria and Scot!
Sanibel Harbour Resort
All the weddings we play for are so different and it is interesting to see how couples make this special day their own. Lauren and Vincent, local residents, chose the Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort as the venue for their wedding day. With about 30 guests expected, they chose me to play solo violin for their ceremony and cocktail reception. I love that this was a very unique ceremony- the Officiant wore a kilt and the Bride wore red! The couple chose an interesting mix of music for me to play so it turned into a very memorable evening.
The ceremony was on the small beach, which they call Sunset Cove. It was a beautiful day, I was able to find a shady spot and since this area is set off from the resort, it offers nice privacy. I began to play prelude music at 5:45 with the ceremony due to start at 6 pm. The couple chose a lot of the old standards: Unforgettable, Come Fly With Me, Beyond the Sea, Georgia on My Mind, Sittin ‘on the Dock of the Bay, and L-O-V-E . The ceremony was delayed by approximately 20 minutes, so I played some of the songs on the reception list and some others as well: At Last, Nothin’ Else Matters, The Best is Yet to Come, Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You, Marry Me, I’m Yours, Over the Rainbow and some Beatles’ songs.
When I got the signal from the coordinator Stephanie, I played Can’t Help Falling in Love for the Seating of the Grandmothers and Mothers. As the Groom and his Groomsmen came onto the beach, I played the Star Trek Theme. For the Entrance of the Bridesmaids, the music chosen was Just the Way You Are Amazing and for the Entrance of the Bride, Lauren, the music was I Will Follow You Into the Dark. I am a big fan of “Say Yes to the Dress” so I have seen red bridal dresses. I think this is the first wedding I have played for that the Bride wore red. She look beautiful!
After the introduction by friend Vic who served as Officiate, the couple drank wine and passed the wineglass to their groomsmen and bridesmaids in a wine ceremony. As they did this, I played Kissing You. Following that , they did a hand-fasting ceremony during which I played Be Thou My Vision. For the Recessional, I played Crystallize.
The cocktail hour was on the terrace overlooking the pool. As I was led there by Stephanie, I got to stop to meet Lauren & Vince and say thank you and offer my congratulations. Additional songs chosen by the couple for me to play were Clocks, The Look of Love, Moondance, Brown-Eyed Girl, Ain’t That a Kick in the Head, Good Life, Danny’s Song, Firework, Marry You, Nights in White Satin, Stairway to Heaven, and All of Me. It made my day when one of the guests told me she enjoyed my music and was surprised by the different songs that could be played on the violin. Another told me he enjoyed my covers. I am so glad they enjoyed it! I loved all the choices the couple made and they helped me add some new music to my repertoire. Best wishes to the newlyweds!
La Playa Beach Resort
It was an absolutely gorgeous day on the beach at the La Playa Resort this past Sunday. It was the wedding day for Whitney and Bryan! They chose Naples, FL so that Whitney’s grandmother could be there to help them celebrate this special day. Being from New Hampshire, this was a destination wedding for the couple and it was a small group with about 23 guests. I was here as solo violinist and honored be asked to play for their wedding ceremony.
Whitney was so easy to work with. Her main request was for me to play her grandmother’s favorite piece, Clair de Lune. She had also told me her grandmother liked All I Ask of You from Phantom so when I saw the guests coming out together onto the beach, I started playing that song. Once she was in her seat, she turned to me and said that she enjoyed my music. When I started playing Clair de Lune, I told her Whitney requested this for her. I could tell this pleased her so much!
Gail Alvarado, concierge at the resort, served as the Officiate. She was first to come onto the beach. Bryan followed her, escorting his mother to her seat. The Best Man arrived next, followed by the Maid of Honor. For their entrances, I played Te Deum by Charpentier. For the entrance of the Bride, Whitney, I played the Canon in D by Pachelbel. As the ceremony concluded , the recessional music was Here Comes the Sun. Whitney came over and gave her grandmother a hug and kiss. It was so obvious there was such a special bond between them. As pictures were being taken, I continued to play lively classical pieces. It was wonderful to see Whitney and Bryan so happy!
It was great to work with Julie Germer at the Resort, Emma Burdis of Emma Burdis Photography and Gail Alvarado. Best wishes to Whitney and Bryan!
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