Frequently asked questions

Where did the name Cappella Artois come from?

Nicholas Collon and Ben Breakwell, the group's musical director and manager respectively, both trace their ancestry back to the Artois region of Belgium. As a result, we were inspired to reflect this remarkable quirk of fate in our name. For legal reasons, it should be noted that any similarity to a popular lager beverage is purely coincidental, however reassuringly expensive it may be.

 

Shouldn't Cappella be spelled with one 'p', as in Capella Artois?

We have researched this extensively and have found that either spelling can be used. Indeed while in this country we often use 'capella', in America and elsewhere 'cappella' is much more commonly used. The term 'a cappella' ('in the style of the chapel') is Italianate in origin, while the Latin spelling for the same term would be 'a capella'. Also, we can't help but prefer the symmetry of two 'P's and two 'L's. For more information on this topic, take a look at http://www.singers.com/a-cappella.html

 

Are you available for private functions? If so, what kind do you do?

We are always keen to provide the entertainment at private functions such as dinners, weddings, parties and corporate events, however large or small. It should be noted that with our classical training and eclectic performance experience we may be able to offer the possibility of providing music for both the service and reception at weddings. For more information why not contact the manager.

 

Do you only do private functions?

Not at all, we have an extremely varied performance schedule which regularly includes full length concerts and recitals at festivals, concert halls and churches all over the world. To find out more take a look at our concert diary to see what we are up to next.

 

Do you only perform in London?

The group is based in London, but we are happy to travel anywhere (within reason). However, it should be noted that the cost of booking the group will either include and reflect our travel expenses or else we will charge this on top of the booking fee. Unlike many groups, we do not inflate our expenses in order to secure a higher fee and we are more than happy to provide receipts should you require them.

 

How much do you cost?

It's really impossible to have a fixed price for bookings as each occasion is so different. The best way to get a quote is to contact the manager with as much information as you can give, such as type of occasion, size of venue, number of guests/audience, length of performance required, etc.

 

I recently heard you perform: how do I leave some feedback?

We are always delighted to receive feedback and it couldn't be easier to get it to us - just fill in our contact form.

 

What is Close Harmony? Are you like G4?

'Close Harmony' really just refers to a particular way of arranging the notes within a chord but is taken to mean a musical style most commonly associated with a cappella groups such as The Kings Singers, the Swingle Singers, the Comedian Harmonists, The Real Group, Take 6, and barbershop quartets. Despite our musical training, we actually share little in common with the excellent G4 who use backing tracks and sing popular music in an operatic style. Instead, we arrange our music ourselves without any form of background accompaniment and try to refrain from simply giving well known songs the 'classical treatment'. It requires us to provide all the harmony ourselves and often results in well known songs sounding very different to how you may have heard them before, making it a unique and exhilaratingly refreshing experience. However, the best way to hear what we sound like is to listen to clips from our CD.

 

Do you need a big space in which to perform?

We have performed in every size of performance space imaginable, from international concert halls seating thousands of people to private sitting rooms seating three. The advantage in booking us is that we rarely, if ever, use sound equipment such as microphones, keyboards, drum kits etc. All that is needed is a space that can comfortably accommodate six men.

 

Do you have your own sound equipment?

As we prefer not to use microphones or any other kind of sound equipment we do not provide this. Should you feel that we would not be heard without some amplification, we would ask that this is provided for us at the venue and that the client covers any resulting cost.

 

Why do you prefer not to use microphones?

Largely because we feel that the sound of an a cappella male voice sextet is both unique and exciting and amplification can often turn it in to a 'processed' sound without the character of live 'unplugged' performance. We find that it is not usually necessary. The last thing a client wants at their private function is entertainment that intrudes on their guests' conversations. Moreover, it allows us a freedom that microphones would otherwise inhibit: we are often asked to move around from one corner of the room to another, so that guests don't have to take themselves, their drinks and their conversations over to the stage to hear us. It's also worth noting that Cappella Artois doesn't just do functions - we often perform concerts and recitals in concert halls and churches, where microphones would be out of place and we like to take this performance sense in to all the work we do.

 

Can we come and see you perform before booking you?

Although many of our clients are happy with our CD, pictures and recommendations, we appreciate that you may want to see us live to get a full sense of what we offer. We will try to accommodate this request if we can. However, since many of our performances are at private venues it can often be difficult to let prospective clients come and watch and we would need to secure the permission of the client for that booking to let you attend. If this option is available, we request that you are discreet while you are 'auditioning' us.

 

What are the conditions of engagement?

Our Contract will be provided as soon as you book the group, which confirms the details of the engagement as well as our standard conditions. This serves to protect both parties as it gives you assurance of our commitment to perform and gives clarity on matters which affect you. We do ask for a cancellation fee, on a sliding scale, if you wish to cancel at short notice, as we are unlikely to be able to secure alternative employment. We ask for the balance of the fee to be paid at the latest at conclusion of our performance.

 

I really like your website - did you do it yourselves?

No, gifted though we may be, there are limits. A website as good as this needed an uncommonly gifted and professional designer at an affordable price. After searching high and low we finally found what we were looking for at www.arkadesign.co.uk

 

Your CD was produced by John Rutter. Surely not the John Rutter?

Indeed, we were extremely fortunate to have the composer and conductor produce our first CD for us and were surprised to learn that he has a great deal of experience in this kind of work. We recommend you have a listen and see what you make of it!

 

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