Can any of the informed cruise travellers tell me if they know of any cruises that have classical chamber music groups eg string quartets on board for nightly entertainment. I have a professional ensemble and we would love to work on board cruises. Thanks in advance.
I worked with two different groups that played for dancing and backed the shows. One did mostly standards and show tunes and the other was pop/rock. I played Fender Bass in one and keyboads in the other.
Both the Princess and Holland America websites have contact information for those seeking employment with them. And while you are at it, I'm sure the more upscale lines use chamber groups. I would suggest contacting Crystal Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Celebrity Cruises and Cunard Line.
Again, good luck to you.
Rick
Posts: 3378 | Location: Costa Mesa, California | Registered: November 16, 2006
I really appreciate your help with this. I'll start doing my homework straight away and I'll let you know how I go. p.s. I guess as a electric guitar and keyboard player you didn't play as many 'dead German composers' as I do which reminds me... I like your icon.
Originally posted by Serendipity: Can any of the informed cruise travellers tell me if they know of any cruises that have classical chamber music groups eg string quartets on board for nightly entertainment. I have a professional ensemble and we would love to work on board cruises. Thanks in advance.
Oceania also has string quartets most are from Poland.... very good musicians
Serendipity, I was a trombone major in college with my sights on a symphonic career; but rhythm sections players were the only ones working all the time--and besides, I got tired of counting rests. I was a cabaret musician for 30 years, but classical has always been my first love; and Ludwig Van is my Man.
Posts: 3378 | Location: Costa Mesa, California | Registered: November 16, 2006
They were on the Emerald last November, too. In fact, Costa had two classical pianists playing outside the dining room before main seating. Maybe they are all using classical musicians. It is so very soothing and adds just a touch of elegance before dinner or for afternoon tea (on board Princess).
Thanks guys ! You inpired me to keep looking. I found a ship board entertainment business called Proship Entertainment that my groupcan audition for. I will send a DVD. They're in Canada but if I can impress them enough they say they book musicians from all over the world. Must go, I have to do some practise....
I was a trombone major in college with my sights on a symphonic career; but rhythm sections players were the only ones working all the time--and besides, I got tired of counting rests.
Funny how musical careers can change. Like most boys, I wanted to play trumpet in school. I started with it and two years later the band director came by the classroom one day and asked me to follow him. We went back to the band room - just us two - and as polite as possible he told me I was a lousy trumpet player. But he said I had impeccable timing and a sense for music and said he thought I'd be better at clarinet. He then put a clarinet in my hands and started teaching me - one on one - for the next couple of weeks. I took to it like a duck on water and within a year was sitting as a first clarinet. A year later I was in the first chair and kept it for 5 years. The youngest ever to do so at our school.
Classical music has always been a love of mine. Whenever I hear it on a ship, I have to stop and listen and thank the wonderful musicians who played it.
