References

Jena Maric, Executive Director, Greater Bridgeport Symphony Orchestra
446 University Ave., Bridgeport CT 06604
203-576-0263; staff@bridgeportsymphony.org
(Kate is Personnel Manager)

Please call or contact Kate if you would like to
- contact any of the people who have written her letters, or
- receive copies of the original letters by mail.

Excerpts from letters

SOLO VIOLIN

“You played flawlessly...and the guests raved about what wonderful ceremony music I had. I would enthusiastically recommend you to any other bride looking for a great solo violinist. Thank you for helping to make my wedding day perfect!”
— Jessica M., December 2007

“Thank you so much for your talents and engaging personality at our wedding ...when the Minister stopped and turned to you as you began playing, I was brought to tears. Thank you for your thoughtfulness in addressing the variety of musical tastes...(and) the children’s songs.”
— Lincoln, Susan and Taylor W., September 2007

“Kate really respected my opinions and requests for the ceremony. All of my guests commented on how it sounded perfect in the chapel. Afterwards, Kate (played) outside for guests and the wedding party while the photographer was taking pictures. (We)would highly recommend Kate O'Brien to all couples or whomever is interested in her services.”
— Dana and Tyron A., August 2007

“The highlight of our wedding was my daughter singing The Wedding Song with your lovely violin accompaniment. Thank you for...performing for us with such professionalism and grace.”
— Debra and Philip D., August 2007

“Kate was prompt, professional and a pleasure to work with. (She) made my ceremony beautiful and a wonderful memory for our guests. We recommend Kate to anyone who wants to add a truly elegant, special touch to any event in their life.”
— Chrissy and Benjamin, March 2007

“Thank you for making our date (Valentine’s Day) THAT much better. We loved your playing the Brazilian tunes that took us closer to home. Congrats for all your talent!”
— Isabella and Bruno, February 2007

"...It could not have been better and the strolling was a huge success. My daughter made a point of telling me how the music and your interaction helped make the dinner special."
— Jon F., June 2006

"With just one violin you were able to fill the entire church with some of the most beautiful music I have ever heard. Your professionalism and ability to perfectly coordinate the music was remarkable. I will recommend you to everyone!"
— Mary D, October 2005

"We found Kate to be the ultimate professional. With just a few emails and one phone call, she coordinated everything for our ceremony. Not only did she learn a new song, she played it so perfectly — tears came to everyone's eyes."
— Liz and Mark H., August 2005

"Your rendition of Lascia Chio Pianga was beautiful...my family and friends were amazed by your talent. We are proud to recommend you to those in need of a true musical artist!"
— Carly and Mark K., February 2005

"My mother's birthday celebration was a wonderful success thanks to you! Thank you very much for a very lovely and moving concert. My mother was thrilled and our guests couldn't say enough wonderful things about you!"
— Jeanne R., August 2004

OBRIEN VIOLIN/GUITAR DUO <view repertoire><hear music>
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“We truly enjoyed your music at our Holiday Party, thank you so much for making the evening special. Our table was doing some “name that tune” during dinner and I’m sure others were doing the same...we look forward to having you play for us next year!”
— Kathleen F., December 2007

“Thank you so much for the wonderful job you did playing for our wedding. You were especially wonderful with my grandson...he admired the way you went to the tables and played anything requested. I couldn’t believe the afternoon had gone by so fast.”
— Roz and Ed B., June 2007

“Thank you so much for playing...the guitar/violin duo set the perfect tone for our garden wedding and we received many compliments on the music you played at the cocktail hour. We were pleased with your flexibility, you were extremely professional and easy to work with.”
— Chen and Ali S., May 2007

“I got so many compliments on our choice of having a string quartet and then VIOLIN, GUITAR and BASS TRIO play the cocktail hour and reception. You truly met all of our needs, and I'm happy to pass the word on that you and your ensemble truly are the best around!”
— Jessica and Gabriel, December 2006

“...the VIOLIN/GUITAR Duo was just beautiful for our ceremony and my guests raved about the strolling through our cocktail hour. Kate had wonderful suggestions for music. The DUO arrived early and were very friendly and easy-going, great on such a busy, crazy day. I recommend OBrien Strings to anyone looking for a talented, professional, and elegant way to provide music and ambiance for any event.”
— Sara and Sean, October 2006

"The violin and guitar duo was fantastic and we highly recommend them for any occasion. Kate worked with me to come up with music that fit the relaxed atmosphere of our intimate wedding...the music set the perfect tone for the ceremony and entertained guests with Latin and jazz standards as we greeted them afterwards. Many guests commented on the high quality of the performance..."
— Myra W., May 2006

"I could not have asked for a better day or more talented musicians. The fact that you were able to play more contemporary music made the day so much more special..As you started to play "Maybe I'm Amazed" all of the groomsmen and the groom started to hum along. Thank you so much."
— Adrianne and Ryan L., May 2006

"The violin and guitar made our ceremony more beautiful than I could have dreamed...I especially loved how you played while walking with us as we entered the hall. The guests loved it when you played at their tables during the cocktail hour. We will recommend OBrien Strings to anyone looking for a Violin Guitar Duo."
— Carrie and Paul M., August 2005

"We thoroughly enjoyed the music...Playing at the tables made it very personal and memorable. I'm thrilled with it all. You really did tie the evening together and started us off on the celebration!"
— Carrie T., October 2004

"From elegant classic music to country, knee slappin' tunes — you and your musicians made our ceremony!"
—Lara and Jamie, September 2003

"Yonkers Public Library...engaged...violin and guitar...for a program of Irish tunes as part of our series, Music Around the World. Kate O'Brien is as efficient and professional with her behind the scenes paperwork as she is performing on stage. I wholeheartedly recommend OBrien Strings without reservation."
— Nancy W., Director of Communications, March 2003

OBRIEN STRING DUOS (violin and viola, or violin and cello) <view repertoire>
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“It was great to finally meet you. You played wonderfully and it was a pleasure working with you.”
— Jackie and Joe L., September 2007

“One of the most memorable moments of our civil union was your (violin and cello) playing. Our families and friends loved the selection of music. We knew you would be that special touch for our celebration.”
— Rob and Scott, June 2007

"Thank you so much...I really appreciate the extra time you took to arrange a favorite song..."So Happy Together" at the end of the ceremony was the perfect personal touch. You were professional, reliable and extremely pleasant to work with throughout the months of planning our wedding."
— Kristen H-B., May 2006

"...the musical pieces truly added to the air of romance that we wanted..the tone of the violin and cello brought a peaceful and melodic mood to both the ceremony and the reception...thank you for your participation in helping our romantic dream come true!"
— Susan and Michael R., May 2006

"We had guests who would not leave your side the entire cocktail hour so they could hear every note...your playing was a lovely touch."
— Meg and Matthew S., May 2005

"We can't begin to tell you the number of compliments we received telling us how beautiful...the duo (violin and cello) music was. After having discussed the songs we really wanted, we truly felt comfortable with the remainder of choices in your hands, we trusted you one hundred percent and you didn't let us down. We couldn't have been happier."
— Meghan and Matt T., May 2005

"The violin and cello duo added the perfect accompaniment to our wedding. Thank you for all your help with the planning of the music selections and for being so accommodating with our requests...We'll be sure and recommend you to anyone looking for beautiful music for their ceremony."
— Heather and Brian M., May 2004

"(We) want to thank you for the wonderful ceremony music your string duo played...in particular, your original piece played softly behind the reading....we received many compliments about the music from our guests. We really appreciate the time you spent with us choosing the music, especially when you played the songs so we could hear them over the phone. We would gladly recommend you to anyone..."
— David B., March 2003

OBRIEN STRING TRIO (Violin, Viola and Cello) <view repertoire> <hear music>
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“Your professionalism while dealing with our minor complication was a comfort to me. I knew that leaving the difficult situation in your hands was the right choice and in the end everything turned out perfect. Thank you for taking the time to meet with (the singer). The sound of the trio with her angelic voice brought tears to my eyes. I cannot thank you enough.”
— Kristen P., December 2007

“(Kate’s) enthusiasm was evident from our first contact, and her professionalism was much appreciated on our wedding day. I didn't have to do a thing - Kate and her trio arrived, set up, and played exactly what we had agreed to and did a beautiful job. Their timing was also perfect, each song seemed to end at exactly the right moment. I would not hesitate to recommend Kate for a wedding or other event.”
— Sarah F., October 2007

“The music was divine and the trio had a way of blending into the event. Clearly my guests were equally pleased and requested that you continue for another hour or so, and you accommodated...thanks a million for making our "deck warming" event so memorable.”
— MaryAnn M., September 2007

“Our guests really enjoyed the mix of modern and classical music. They especially commented on how much they enjoyed hearing “One” played...we would absolutely recommend you to anyone who is looking to have a string trio play at any of their events.”
— Yassamin H., August 2007

“I cannot thank you enough for the beautiful job that you and the trio did...many people came up to me afterwards to comment on how wonderful it was to sit inside the church and listen to you play...and you did such an outstanding job of coordinating the pieces that you and (the organist) played together.”
— Linda C., August 2007

"The talent and professionalism of the string trio was evident from the moment of arrival to the end of the performance. It was a pleasure to have you with us.”
— Elizabeth D., July 2007

“Thank you so much for the incredible music..and your professionalism, organization, and responsiveness throughout our planning process...we were absolutely thrilled with your ability to personalize our ceremony by arranging the song “One” by U2 for our ceremony. I would not hesitate to recommend you to others looking for musicians...”
— Anne and Seth, September 2006

“We really appreciated the mixture of traditional and popular music. I particularly wanted to thank you for arranging the Irish tune “Sheebeg and Sheemore” especially for us. It was composed by my ancestor, Turlough O’Carolan, so I considered it my “something old” on our special day.”
— Kerry and Seth, August 2006

"I remember hearing Ben Folds during the prelude, and the recessional song ("Two of Us" by the Beatles) was perfect! Thank you for your talent and professionalism, and we will pass your name on to anyone who needs the best!"
— Megan And Cameron W., May 2006

"We sent (Kate) a CD of one of our favorite songs and she arranged it beautifully for the string trio. It was so special to have a song arranged just for us for our first dance! My friends loved the Beatles songs too. (Kate) and her ensemble were very professional and a highlight of our reception."
— Margaret and Kevin F., January 2006

"...I loved what you did with "Kyrie." Many thanks for learning and adapting it for my Processional. We would be happy to recommend you..."
— Allison and Ethan M., September, 2005

“...they were ready for the first note with the slightest gesture from our clergyman. OBrien Strings set the mood for our reception. The weather was perfect, the guests glowed, the bride and groom were radiant, and suddenly a flight of notes sprang into the air, the music seemed to simply appear on cue. Following their (performance), the ensemble blended into the background and were gone without to-do. No other group of players could have satisfied as did yours.”
— Jessica and Patrick, July 2005

"...your trio added a romantic and elegant ambiance to the wedding ceremony, cocktail hour and dinner. We were most impressed with how you played exactly what we had requested for the ceremony and also with your selections for the remainder of the evening. Numerous people at the wedding commented on how great your performance was..."
— Amy and Matt C., October 2004

"Thank you for performing at our children's wedding....Your professionalism, energy and genuine interest in the selection of traditional Jewish wedding music was greatly appreciated. Our families have complimented us on the elegance of your music."
— Lynne M., May 2004

OBRIEN STRING QUARTET (Two violins, viola, cello) <view repertoire>
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“Thank you for making my wedding day sound beautiful! I got so many compliments on our choice of having a STRING QUARTET play the ceremony. After many, many interviews with different groups across the state, I am so happy that we found you for our special day.”
— Jessica and Gabriel, December 2006

"Seeing shots of you and the quartet jogged my memory about writing you...(to) express how profoundly amazing your contribution was to our...wedding...we will definitely refer the OBrien Strings to anyone in the market for some crowd pleasing reception music."
— John J., June 2002

OBRIEN STRINGS plus Trumpet, Flute, Harp or Vocalist <view repertoire>
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“Thank you so much for playing our wedding...(w/VOCALIST) and for meeting with me to rehearse the special song I sang to my husband. The TRIO sounded amazing as we all walked down the aisle, and our guests were raving about the songs you played throughout our cocktail hour....you were professional, dependable, fun...Bravo!”
— Melanie and Robert K., September 2007

“When the TRUMPET started to play, tears just filled my eyes...it was the best feeling. I am so glad we chose to have you and the TRUMPET perform our ceremony. (We) couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day.”
— Brenda and Dave, December 2006

“When you have chosen the right person for the job, the stress disappears and all that is left to experience is the love and joy the day brings. The music from the (FLUTE, Violin and Cello) created the ambiance I wanted...if you are looking for a group with class and style, Kate O’Brien is the perfect choice.”
— Rebecca, October 2006

"Thank you for the fabulous job you and your (String Trio plus FLUTE) did at our ceremony. We got so many compliments from our guests and I loved the arrangement of Buon Giorno, it was beautiful!"
— Angela and Marc, June 2006

"Thanks to you and your fellow musicians (Trio plus FLUTE)...your professionalism during the ceremony and cocktail hour was exemplary. We really appreciate all you did...to suggest which pieces to play and what instrumentation to use. We are so glad we went with OBrien Strings and will recommend you without question."
— John and Diana F., September 2005

"Your music accented our ceremony in such a special and elegant way...our guests kept commenting on how beautiful the ceremony was because of the music (Trio plus TRUMPET). Thank you also for your help in choosing the music; I could never have done the program without your help! Please feel free to use me as a reference."
— Kimberly K., January 2005

"Thank you so much for your performance...you and your musicians were exceptional. We had compliment and after compliment flow in from our guests who were floored by the quality of the Trio as well as the TRUMPET. Your music set the tone, literally, for what I sought to capture with my ceremony: an elegant, meaningful and classical service...I would be happy to speak with anyone who would like to hear from a satisfied customer."
— Saraab M., August 2004

"I can't thank you enough for making our ceremony so perfect. Your VIOLIN together with HARP and VOCALS made our wedding truly moving and so personal with your mix of Classical and Celtic music...you were so easy to deal with and accommodating; I would recommend you...to anyone looking for special music for any occasion."
— Maureen H., January 2004

Please call or contact Kate if you would like to
- contact any of the people who have written her letters, or
- receive copies of the original letters by mail.