About Us

FESTIVO STRINGS is a group of musicians who perform at weddings, corporate events, and other social occasions. We have been providing live string music in the London (Ontario) area since 1995 and in the Kansas City area since 2005. Although most of our repertoire is classical, we do play some contemporary music, show tunes, and the occasional waltz or tango!

Our Story

You may be wondering how it is that we offer music services in two completely different locations! It's actually very simple to explain.

Festivo Strings was founded back in 1995 in London, Ontario when we were students at the University of Western Ontario. We have stayed together ever since, and even released a CD in 2006, "Classics for String Trio." (CDs can be purchased for $20 - please email or call for further information.)

In 2005, Ben and Jane moved to Overland Park, Kansas for Ben to pursue his doctorate in cello performance. Ever since, they have been back and forth between London, ON and Kansas City, Missouri.

We currently book events in both places as follows:

London, Ontario - May, June, July, August, December (other dates may be available - please feel free to inquire! If we're not available, we'll gladly point you to another local group.)

Kansas City, Missouri - Year-round bookings are available.

Whether we are playing here or there, you can be assured that professional, prepared musicians will be playing for your event!

Who We Are

MEMBER BIOS:

Jane Eady, Violin/Viola - Jane has been playing violin since the age of 9. She handles most of the administrative details for Festivo Strings. Jane is currently teaching violin, viola, and piano, in addition to free-lancing with various chamber ensembles and orchestras.

Heather Braden, Viola/Violin - Heather started playing the violin when she was 3 years old and later switched to the viola. She teaches violin and viola through the Suzuki method to children of all ages. Heather also plays with the London Concert Players and free-lances with Orchestra London.

Ben Gitter, Cello - Ben has been playing cello since he was 10 years old. He has just completed his coursework for the Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and is in the process of completing a M.Mus. in Music Theory in addition to being an adjunct theory instructor at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, MO. Ben also teaches private cello lessons and free-lances with various ensembles.

Karla Halliday, Violin - Karla grew up in London and currently free-lances with both Orchestra London and the Windsor Symphony. She has played with Festivo Strings for many years although it's taken us awhile to add her name to the "official" website.

**Kansas City customers: If you are hiring a trio or quartet, rest assured that we have a short list of players we use to augment the group as needed!