Whatever your event may be, we can help you make it extraordinary!
We are a string quartet of professional musicians that provides live music for weddings and other events in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Over the years, our music has added elegance and sophistication to many events, including:	"We were both so pleased with your group, the professionalism, friendliness and, of course, the music was wonderful and elegant. We received so many compliments from friends and family who said that the quartet added such class to the whole event. Thank you, again, for a wonderful job and please use us as a reference." - David and Rebecca
wedding ceremonies and receptions cocktail hours holiday gatherings grand openings and customer appreciation days corporate parties graduation ceremonies gallery openings and art walks Renaissance themed events anniversary parties and reunions memorial services and funerals dedication and award ceremonies graduation and retirement parties
Live music adds a distinctive edge to any event. From background music to providing the main entertainment, we can help make any event unforgettable. Live music is warm and dynamic in a way that cannot be reproduced by amplifying canned music. Our instruments are portable and do not require amplification. We can easily transition from outdoor to indoor events and do not require electrical hookups or special equipment.

Our Services

Our group has performed at many locations throughout Southern WI and Northern IL including the Monona Terrace Convention Center, the Overture Center, Olbrich Gardens, the Memorial Union, the WI State Capitol Building, Quivey's Grove, and many more locations. Please see our list of frequent locations. Ask us about your venue!

Our standard repertoire includes a variety of classical and popular pieces. Please see our repertoire page for some of the most frequently requested pieces in our repertoire. We also have specialized collections of holiday favorites for holiday themed events such as Christmas parties, corporate parties, holiday dinners, church socials, etc. and a collection of Renaissance themed music for Renaissance themed events.

We have established relationships with both composers and arrangers. If there is a special song you would like our quartet to perform for your event, please e-mail us to discuss the details!

About our Quartet

The Sophisticates of String Quartet was established in 1998 by Shannon Ballhorn (string bass). Our group consists of two violinists, a violist, and a contrabassist. We are accomplished performers who have played in many orchestras and ensembles including the University of Wisconsin Symphony, the Madison Symphony, the Beloit-Janesville Symphony, the WI Chamber Choir Orchestra, and the Middleton Community Orchestra. We have performed while on orchestral tours to Japan, Taiwan, Austria, Hungary, Spain and the Czech Republic.

We would be honored to play at your event! Let us work with you to develop a plan that suits your needs for any occasion.