Halcyon Strings
About Us
Halcyon Strings is a Portland-based classical music ensemble under the management of violist Adam Hoornstra. Although we are new to the area, we have a lot of experience playing for special events, after four years of operating under the name Chesapeake Strings in the Baltimore, MD, area. While most of the engagements we play request a string quartet, we can accommodate virtually any formation of instruments, from solo players through small orchestras. We play for a wide variety of occasions, including weddings, receptions, meetings, parties, trade shows, corporate events, church services, promotional events, fund raisers, wine tastings, and other special events. We hire talented, full-time musicians from the Portland and Vancouver, WA, area, many of whom are graduates of the nation’s top music conservatories, including the Peabody Institute and the Cleveland Institute of Music. In addition to the events they play for Halcyon Strings, our musicians play with such prominent local organizations as the Oregon Symphony, Portland Opera, Oregon Ballet, and Eugene Symphony.
Customer Feedback
Here are some sample letters of appreciation we have received from previous clients:
Bill and I want to thank you for providing very elegant classical music at our wedding. We were very pleased with your willingness to work with our setting. It was also especially helpful that your group has a CD for preview.
We received many compliments on the music and the ambiance that it created as it set the tone for a relaxing reception and conversation. Several guests asked about availability of musicians for future occasions. Thank you for helping to make our special day so memorable.
Thank You so much for the fantastic job you and your team did at my wedding. You guys were really, really good! I still get compliments on how great your performances were and I take every opportunity to recommend you guys to anyone and everyone I know. Keep up the good work!
After having heard you play at a friend’s wedding we were fortunate enough to be able to have you for ours. The music that you provided for the ceremony was perfect for the outdoor ambiance Diana and I wanted. Your service throughout the entire planning process was exceptional and greatly appreciated, as it was one less item to be a concern. Having you discuss possible music selections made our life much easier. Both Diana and I walked away feeling as though we had chosen music that was going to make the ceremony special and unique. The service continued up through the day of the wedding as you and your fellow musicians were prompt and professional.
Although I do not plan to get married again, I do look forward to having the opportunity to work with you in the future at another event. Thank you for making our wedding wonderful!
I received a lot of compliments on the prelude music at the wedding. The music I heard your group play during the ceremony added a special touch that helped the occasion to be elegant. Your quartet plays beautifully. Thank you so much for helping to make my daughter’s wedding so memorable.
We just wanted to extend a warm “thank you” for your contribution to making the Bridal Showcase such a success. Without a doubt, the beautiful music and professional elegant presence of your musicians enhanced the caliber of the Showcase. We look forward to continuing our positive working relationship with you. On behalf of the staff of the (Historic Oakland) Town Center Community Association, thank you once again.
Thank you so very much for performing at our wedding. You and the other musicians were absolutely wonderful. Everyone complimented me for selecting such a superb string quartet. Chesapeake Strings truly completed an evening that was very special for us. Thank you. Should you ever need a reference please feel free to use us.
Excerpts from Peabody Placement Office feedback forms
"I was impressed with his easygoing, yet professional attitude."
"Very well done."
"Everyone was very complimentary."
"We received many compliments on the music from our guests."
"Great!"
"Sounded beautiful!"
"They were very good… courteous."
"Very satisfied. The musicians were very professional. Guests commented on the excellent musicianship,
actually stopping to listen attentively. Many laudatory remarks and questions as to who the group
was."
"Excellent. They were prompt, courteous, and played beautifully."
"Outstanding!"
"They were absolutely wonderful! I could not have been more pleased!"
"Very pleased with everything."
"Musicians were there ahead of schedule."
"They were great. Very nice to deal with."
"Very pleased with the performance."
"We were very satisfied with the performance. Many guests at the wedding commented on how great they
thought the musicians were."