The timeless magic of strings: Modern elegance with a female string quartet in Johannesburg

There’s something undeniably enchanting about the sound of a string quartet. It changes the atmosphere and adds a sense of style and occasion. A string quartet doesn’t have to feel formal or old-fashioned. In fact, it can feel completely fresh and unexpected and thanks to the popular series, Bridgerton.

Enter The Velvet Violins, a stunning female string quartet based in Johannesburg, bringing new life to the classical format with a bold, modern twist. Think Bridgerton, but with your favourite pop songs, South African classics and even the occasional throwback, reimagined and beautifully arranged for strings by violinist, Naomi Tagg.

The string quartet has been around since the 18th century and was once considered the "perfect" musical ensemble: four voices working in harmony, just like a conversation. It’s made up of two violins, a viola, and a cello, each with its own role, blending melody, harmony, and rhythm. Today, that same classical structure is being used to play everything from Beethoven to Beyoncé. It also happens to sit in the perfect sound range, beautiful and atmospheric without overpowering the room so guests can still talk, mingle, and be heard clearly. String quartets are surprisingly versatile too: they don’t need amplification for smaller events, can perform almost anywhere, and their sound creates a mood that people feel and remember long after the event.

The Velvet Violins performing at a Chuppah, Johannesburg

At SoWhat Entertainment, we’ve seen firsthand how music shapes the mood of an event. Whether it’s a wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, sophisticated corporate gala dinner or a networking gathering, The Velvet Violins brings an atmosphere that is both refined and current. They’re the perfect blend of old-world charm and new-world edge proving that string quartets aren’t just for dusty corners and concert halls. The Velvet Violins is also a lovely feminine touch for Women’s Day events and celebrations, honouring and celebrating women with elegance, talent and power.

It’s also not just about the music, but about the presence too. With a stylish co-ordinated look that compliments your event (whether it’s African prints or elegant all-white, evening black, pastels or even Bridgerton-inspired gowns), their easy-going attitude and genuine love for the music they play, The Velvet Violins brings professionalism and personality to every performance.

The Velvet Violins String Quartet performing for a garden party, Pretoria

Picture walking down the aisle to a stirring violin arrangement of your favourite love song, or welcoming your guests to a cocktail hour with a dreamy instrumental of a Beyoncé or Adele hit. The Velvet Violins' repertoire is designed to surprise and delight, giving guests that “wait... I know this song!” moment that turns heads and sparks conversation. And wait until they bring out the South African favourites, from Mi Casa to Brenda Fassie, they curate the perfect playlist to surprise and delight your guests.

If you’re looking to create an unforgettable experience, whether it’s for a wedding, brand launch, gala dinner or intimate gathering, adding a live string quartet like The Velvet Violins is the kind of detail that adds sparkle, so let these ladies set the perfect tone for your event in Jo'burg.

Book Johannesburg female string quartet, The Velvet Violins for events in Gauteng and surrounds. Email naomi@sowhatentertainment.co.za for a quote.

The Velvet Violins String Quartet performing at a Bridgerton-inspired ball in Sandton, Johannesburg