Vendor Spotlight: Luminous String Quartet
We’ve gotten to worked with Karen from Luminous String Quartet – and her team – many times and we’re always so thrilled with both the professionalism, talent, and of course just the all around brilliant performance they put on for our clients.We did a little interview with Karen recently. Here’s all the details and our Vendor Spotlight on Luminous String Quartet.
Describe yourself in 3 words
Genuine, loyal, incomparable,
What’s the best professional lesson you ever learned?
DETAILS…DETAILS…DETAILS…
It’s so important that I take down as much information as I possibly can from my clients. Music plays such an important role for a couple on their special day, be it for the ceremony, or the cocktail/dinner hour, or even the couple’s first dance. Music represents who they are together, right down to their cultural backgrounds, or the song that was playing when the proposal occurred, or just the music they love to listen to together. It is essential that each client knows that ANY PIECE OF MUSIC can be arranged for their wedding.
Another important detail during wedding ceremonies is to prevent anyone from having to cue us, (i.e. waving as if to land an airplane), when the specially chosen music of the ceremony are to begin. It’s important that there is a natural musical flow during the service, which means I need to be completely informed about what’s happening and who the music is for, etc.
What was the last thing that gave you warm fuzzies?
My beginner violin students giving me hugs after their group class last Thursday.
Who inspires you?
My mom. Her gentleness, integrity and honesty are what many people respect and love about her, as do I.
Describe your perfect day as a Professional Musician/Director of Luminous String Quartet.
Having my morning coffee while finishing up a quartet arrangement of a piece of music that I have wanted in my repertoire for a long time. Then a music discussion meeting with a bride and groom…..and they request the song for their wedding, thatI’ve JUST finished arranging. Getting an email from a couple whose wedding was just the week before, indicating how much they loved the music and how much it meant for them to have us there on their special day. Finish the day with a heart warming violin lesson with one of my new beginner students, close up shop and sit down with a glass of wine for a wonderful “rocking out” evening of Karaoke with my husband and two feline children.
Describe your perfect day off.
Cooking or baking food, or canning salsa with my wonderful husband Mark, while we listen to our extremely eclectic iTunes playlist. OR spending the whole day arranging more music for string quartet.
Besides friends and family, what are three things you can’t live without?
MUSIC (of course), good food, my wonderful wedding clients (of whom some of them become friends).
What are you watching, reading and listening to right now?
Watching: The Blacklist – without a doubt my favourite show on TV. Love me some James Spader!
Reading: John Cleese autobiography “So Anyway…”
Listening: Adele’s Skyfall – I’m currently arranging this song for string quartet and need to make sure that my arrangement is as close to the original song as possible.
In Winnipeg, where do you like to eat, get coffee, shop?
I quite enjoy making my own coffee. Sometimes Tim Horton’s brewed, sometimes a “poor man’s” latte (I don’t have a cappucino machine – don’t need one). I certainly enjoy good food and just recently had a most amazing eating experience at Buccacino’s on Osborne with my husband and his parents, as we happily celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. (I LOVE their Naples salad!!!) Shopping? I only do it if I must. And when I do, I like to stay close to home in the south end.
Looking back, what would you tell your 16 year old self?
I would probably say something to the effect of: “You’ve been given a musical gift, so why are you fighting it? You might perform with famous people someday – even with Fred Penner!” I hated violin back in the day because I was a heavy metal head in the 80s. But since the late 90’s, I have discovered that I am able create with it, and it has of course taken on new meaning and brought with it a new found love and respect. It took me a long time to realize that music is in my blood and it is what my life is truly about. Bringing joy to people with music. Making music a special part of a person’s day. And yes, performing with Fred Penner is now a reality. We’ve been working together for the past six years. When he needs a fiddle player for a gig in Winnipeg, he calls me. I’m a really lucky person. I created a saying in my late 20s when I finally acknowledged my calling. “Music is the root of all emotion, therefore Music is Life.” Ain’t it though?
What is your favourite getaway location? Why?
Easy. Mexico. I LOVE the music. Awesome food, great drinks, beautiful beaches, lovely people, fun language to speak and total relaxation.
