Hi! Evanston Strings is a collection of string ensembles serving the Chicagoland area. From solo violin to trio or string quartet, we bring elegance & professional to any event. Founded by violinist Mari De Napoli while a Northwestern Masters student, we perform a multitude of genres & have played over 350 events- weddings, corporate engagements, recitals, church services, stadium music concerts, touring shows, proposals, birthdays, and more!
We make the booking process seamless by sending an extensive repertoire list of classical/pop, offering zoom meetings confirm details, and showing up early. We genuinely love bringing your vision to life and adding a special, unique touch to your event.
Wonderful string music, the perfect backdrop to our wedding ceremony that was outdoors. Mari was so helpful leading up to the event with picking songs and providing guidance and was extremely communicative, often within minutes! It made our special day stress free. She was fantastic!
Response from Evanston Strings, Elegant & Professional Live Music:
Thank you for this beautiful review and for including in my gorgeous celebration! Congratulations again :)
Mari: A Musical Masterpiece
Mari's musical talents and professionalism were the perfect complement to our wedding day. Her punctuality and efficient setup ensured a seamless start to the celebration. Both she and her partner were a delight to have around, and our guests couldn't stop raving about their incredible performance.
The live music created a truly magical atmosphere, adding a personal touch to our special day. Mari's extensive song library made it easy for us to select the perfect tunes, and her skill as a musician was evident in every note. Working with her was a breeze, as she was always accommodating and helpful.
We are so grateful to Mari for her contribution to our wedding. Her talent and professionalism made our day even more memorable. If you're searching for a musician who can provide exceptional entertainment and create a lasting impression, we highly recommend Mari.
Response from Evanston Strings, Elegant & Professional Live Music:
Wow, thank you so much for this glowing review. You had a beautiful wedding we were lucky to be part of. Thank you again :)
Real professional, her presence definetly elevated my events.
My guests really enjoyed the background violin
Response from Evanston Strings, Elegant & Professional Live Music:
Thank you for taking the time to write such kind words! Glad I got to be a part of your baby shower :) Congrats!
I wanted a Bridgerton-like sound for my 30th birthday so I reached out to Evanston Strings. I spoke to Mari, the coordinator and violinist, and she recommended a string quartet, which was PERFECT for the party. They played the modern hits that everyone recognized and loved and absolutely blew everyone away. We will definitely be hiring Evanston Strings again for our next party.
Response from Evanston Strings, Elegant & Professional Live Music:
Thanks, Gina for this review! We had such a blast at your 30th. See you at the next party!
Could not recommend Mari enough. She made my surprise proposal so romantic and she was so easy to work with. Gave me an insane song list to choose from, met on zoom a few times, and came early to rock it at the proposal. Highly recommend and will be using her for our wedding!
She was amazing. Everybody enjoys her performance.
Response from Evanston Strings, Elegant & Professional Live Music:
Thank you! I had the best time performing at your wedding and celebrating your love. Congrats again!
Mari made my surprise proposal so romantic. She played so beautifully and was also very professional. I will definitely be using her again.
Response from Evanston Strings, Elegant & Professional Live Music:
Thank you for the kind words! It was an honor to be part of your proposal. 🤍
Very professional i would recommend her and hire again
Response from Evanston Strings, Elegant & Professional Live Music:
Thank you so much for including me in your fun birthday party and for being an awesome host :)
Mari's soulfull smooth playing was just what we needed. Could not have been happier with everything from A to Z as she delivered as she promised. Would recommend her to anyone seeking a consummate professional violinist.
Mari was pleasant to work with from our initial consultation zoom to arriving early to the event, to the beautiful music that my guests thoroughly enjoyed. Her music made the event and I would definitely recommend her to anyone looking to spruce up their event with some class!
Mari was extremely professional & definitely highly trained. I sent her a playlist of my favorite songs as well as the vibe I was going for and she did not disappoint. 10/10 would highly recommend.
Response from Evanston Strings, Elegant & Professional Live Music:
Thank you for the kind words, Crysthal! So happy we got to make your birthday so special :)
Mari and her team provided an excellent pre and post ceremony assortment of classic wedding songs. The group was incredibly easy to work with and we’re very helpful with any questions we had getting things selected and set up.
Response from Evanston Strings, Elegant & Professional Live Music:
Thanks David! Congrats again to you and Kat— thanks for including Evanston Strings in your beautiful celebration 🎻
Mari De Napoli was very professional and dependable. Her musical skills were wonderful and she helped make my event very special. I would highly recommend Mari as an excellent musician.
Response from Evanston Strings, Elegant & Professional Live Music:
Thanks Carolyn for this glowing review and for including me in your beautiful event!
Mari and her string quartet did an amazing job at our wedding. I coordinated most with Mari about what songs we wanted and we even requested a special song not on their song list that they nailed! It was so fun to have a live string quartet there for the wedding and cocktail hour. Mari was a pleasure to work with and was very responsive to any questions we had. I would recommend her to all our friends for any special events.
Very professional, great communication and excellent music
Response from Evanston Strings, Elegant & Professional Live Music:
Thank you! It was an honor to play at your wedding!
Mari's additional was such a beautiful touch to our ceremony last summer. She was easy to coordinate with, made choosing our music easy, arrived early, and played a beautiful set. The guests kept talking it about it through the dinner!
Response from Evanston Strings, Elegant & Professional Live Music:
Hi Kevin, thanks for writing such a kind review. I'm happy to hear that you and the guests loved the music. Congrats again on the wedding!
Price Range: $150 and up
Gig Length: 30 - 300 minutes
Languages: English
Music has the ability to take an already special event to the next level. I know the importance of creating a mood, atmosphere, and a perfect moment because music plays an essential role in making memories and bringing your event to life. You will have a polished and professional performance either as a soloist or as part of an ensemble.
I pride myself on communicating effectively with clients to make sure they are completely satisfied with my performance. I am always happy to work with you on music selections, and other details event details. I promise to be on time, professional, and passionate.
Evanston Strings was founded in 2023 when violinist Mari De Napoli was working towards her Masters degree at Northwestern. Having played over 150 weddings solo and with ensembles in the Los Angeles and Chicago area, she thought, "why not make it official and start a live strings service for luxury events?". Evanston Strings started off with just solo violin but has grown to every iteration of string ensemble you can think of (duets, trios, quartets, even small orchestras for weddings). We can play anything from pop to classical to traditional Indian or Jewish music. Working together with clients to create the perfect playlist and unforgettable moments is Evanston's bread and butter.
Our roster of musicians include professional harpists, pianists, cellists, violinists, violists, and more; everyone has at least 2 professional degrees, over 20 years experience and robust performing careers. We have performed with artists such as Laufey, Common, Jack Black, Stevie Wonder, and Smokey Robinson. Our artists have performed in iconic places like Carnegie Hall and Millennium Park, but also shine in any setting for a proposal or wedding at the beach. We’re able to perform the classics of Mozart to Michael Bublé, Bridgerton favorites, Bollywood wedding classics, and more.
From a dynamic solo violinist to a classic string quartet, Evanston Strings will help curate the perfect musical performance to dazzle your guests and fit your personal taste. Each event promises an attentive coordinator with unlimited meetings to go over aesthetics, playlists, and all logistics.
If performing outside, I require cover for protection from direct sunlight or precipitation, as both are harmful for string instruments. I also typically perform in black clothing. If you prefer something else I am happy to accommodate.
Also, unless otherwise specified, I perform as a solo artist without amplification or backing tracks etc. but I am always open to discussing options for your vision and event.
| December 11, 2024 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Wedding Cocktail Hour |
| February 01, 2025 • 4:30pm - 6:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| October 05, 2024 • 3:30pm - 4:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| September 06, 2024 • 4:00pm - 5:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| August 25, 2024 • 11:00am - 12:30pm | Baby Shower |
| August 17, 2024 • 4:30pm - 6:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| August 04, 2024 • 11:30am - 1:00pm | Baby Shower |
| July 27, 2024 • 7:30pm - 8:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| July 20, 2024 • 6:00pm - 6:30pm | Wedding Engagement |
| July 13, 2024 • 4:30pm - 7:00pm | Cocktail Hour |
| July 06, 2024 • 6:00pm - 8:30pm | Wedding Ceremony + Cocktail Hour |
| June 26, 2024 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Corporate Event |
| June 22, 2024 • 4:30pm - 6:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| June 09, 2024 • 4:30pm - 7:00pm | Cocktail Hour |
| May 19, 2024 • 4:00pm - 5:00pm | Birthday Party |
| May 16, 2024 • 4:30pm - 7:00pm | Cocktail Hour |
| May 05, 2024 • 6:00pm - 7:30pm | Kellogg Dinner |
| April 21, 2024 • 4:30pm - 5:30pm | Wedding |
| April 17, 2024 • 6:00pm - 7:30pm | Kellogg Dinner |
| April 07, 2024 • 6:00pm - 7:30pm | Sidley Dinner |
| April 07, 2024 • 9:00am - 12:00pm | Church Service |
| March 31, 2024 • 9:00am - 12:00pm | Church Service |
| March 24, 2024 • 3:00pm - 3:45pm | Nonprofit Event |
| March 24, 2024 • 9:00am - 12:00pm | Church Service |
| March 10, 2024 • 3:00pm - 5:00pm | Chamber Music Series Spotlight |
| March 10, 2024 • 9:00am - 12:00pm | Church Service |
| March 03, 2024 • 9:00am - 12:00pm | Church Service |
| February 18, 2024 • 9:00am - 12:00pm | Church Service |
| February 04, 2024 • 9:00am - 12:00pm | Church Service |
| January 21, 2024 • 9:00am - 12:00pm | Church Service |
| January 07, 2024 • 9:00am - 12:00pm | Church Service |
| December 31, 2023 • 9:00am - 12:00pm | Church Service |
| December 17, 2023 • 9:00am - 12:00pm | Church Service |
| December 10, 2023 • 6:30pm - 9:00pm | Orchestra Concert |
| December 05, 2023 • 2:00pm - 4:00pm | Wedding |
| December 03, 2023 • 9:00am - 12:00pm | Church Service |
| November 19, 2023 • 9:00am - 12:00pm | Church Service |
| November 05, 2023 • 9:00am - 12:00pm | Church Service |
| October 29, 2023 • 9:00am - 12:00pm | Church Service |
| October 15, 2023 • 9:00am - 12:00pm | Church Service |
| October 01, 2023 • 9:00am - 12:00pm | Church Service |
| September 30, 2023 • 5:30pm - 6:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| September 17, 2023 • 9:00am - 12:00pm | Church Service |
| September 03, 2023 • 9:00am - 12:00pm | Church Service |
| August 20, 2023 • 9:00am - 12:00pm | Church Service |
| August 11, 2023 • 7:00pm - 9:00pm | Birthday Party |
| August 06, 2023 • 9:00am - 12:00pm | Church Service |
| April 04, 2023 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Kimberly Prize Dinner |
| March 25, 2023 • 8:30pm - 10:00pm | Chicago Historical Costume Society: La Soirée Doré |
All You Need is Love – The Beatles
Angels – Robbie Williams
At Last – Etta James
Beyond The Sea – Bobby Darin
Billie Jean – Michael Jackson
Bitter Sweet Symphony – The Verve
Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison
Can’t Help Falling In Love – Elvis Presley
Can’t Take My Eyes Off You – Franki Valli
Don’t Stop Me Now – Queen
Dreams – Fleetwood Mac
Every Breath You Take – The Police
Fields Of Gold – Eva Cassidy
Fly Me to the Moon – Frank Sinatra
Here Comes The Sun – The Beatles
I Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing – Aerosmith
I Want To Break Free – Queen
I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston
I’m Kissing You – Des’ree
In My Life – The Beatles
Isn’t She Lovely – Stevie Wonder
It Don’t Mean A Thing – Duke Ellington
It Must Be Love – Madness
La Vie En Rose – Edith Piaf
Let’s Stay Together – Al Green
Moonlight Serenade – Glenn Miller
My Baby Just Cares For Me – Nina Simone
Nothing Else Matters – Metallica
O Danny Boy – Johnny Cash
One Day Like This – Elbow
Signed Sealed Delivered – Stevie Wonder
Somebody to Love – Queen
Somewhere Over The Rainbow – Eva Cassidy
Stand By Me – Ben (link hidden)ng
Sweet Child of Mine – Guns n Roses
Time Of Your Life – Green Day
Valerie – Amy Winehouse
What A Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
When I Fall In Love – Nat King Cole
With A Little Help From My Friends – The Beatles
Yesterday – The Beatles
You & Me – Wannadies
You Raise Me Up – Westlife
A Thousand Years –Christina Perri
All I Want is You – U2
All Of You – John Legend
Beautiful Day ¬– U2
Best Day of my Life – American Authors
Bittersweet Symphony – The Verve
Bless the Broken Road – Rascal Flatts
Clocks ¬– Coldplay
Crazy in Love – Beyoncé
Dance Monkey – Tones & I
Despacito – Justin Bieber
Don’t Stop Believing ¬¬– Journey
Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing – Aerosmith
Eleanor Rigby – Lennon/McCartney
Empire State Of Mind – Alicia Keys
Get Lucky – Daft Punk feat. Pharrell Williams
Grow Old With You – Sandler
Halo – Beyoncé
Happy – Pharrell
Happy – Pharrell Williams
Hey Ya! – Outkast
I Will Wait – Mumford & Sons
I Won’t Give Up – Jason Mraz
I’m Yours – Jason Mraz
Love Story – Taylor Swift
Love Yourself – Justin Bieber
Make You Feel My Love – Adele
Marry You – Bruno Mars
Mr Brightside – The Killers
Paradise – Coldplay
Perfect – Ed Sheeran
Photograph – Ed Sheeran
Poker Face – Lady Gaga
Rather Be – Clean Bandit
Senorita – Camila Cabello
Shallow, A Star is Born – Lady Gaga
Shape of You – Ed Sheeran
Shut Up and Dance – Walk the Moon
Someone You Loved – Lewis Capaldi
Starlight – Muse
Summer – Calvin Harris
That’s What Makes you Beautiful ¬– One Direction
Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran
Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran
Titanium – David Guetta
Treasure – Bruno Mars
Uptown Funk – Mark Ronson
Viva La Vida – Coldplay
We Are Family – Sister Sledge
We Found Love – Rihanna
What Makes You Beautiful – One Direction
Wildest Dreams – Taylor Swift
You are the Reason – Calum Scott
Set Fire to the Rain - Adele
Someone Like You - Adele
Turning Tables - Adele
A Whole New World from Aladdin - Alan Menken
Tale As Old As Time from Beauty and The Beast - Alan Menken
Let's Stay Together - Al Green
So This Is Love from Cinderella - Al Hoffman, Jerry Livingston, Mack David
If I Ain't Got You - Alicia Keys
Angel of Music from Phantom of the Opera - Andrew Lloyd Webber
Music of the Night from Phantom of the Opera - Andrew Lloyd Webber
Think of Me from Phantom of the Opera - Andrew Lloyd Webber
Into You - Ariana Grande
Moonlight - Ariana Grande
One Last Time - Ariana Grande
POV - Ariana Grande
Problem - Ariana Grande
Side to Side - Ariana Grande
Stuck with U - Ariana Grande/Justin Bieber
Levels - Avicii
Wake Me Up - Avicii
All You Need is Love - The Beatles
Blackbird - The Beatles
Ode to Joy - Beethoven
A Million Dreams from The Greatest Showman - Benj Pasek and Justin Paul
Never Enough from The Greatest Showman - Benj Pasek and Justin Paul
Eastside - Benny Blanco, Halsey, Khalid
Halo - Beyonce
Vienna - Billy Joel
The Story - Brandi Carlile
Leave the Door Open - Bruno Mars
Marry You - Bruno Mars
That's What I Like - Bruno Mars
You Are The Reason - Calum Scott
Summer - Calvin Harris
This is What You Came For - Calvin Harris feat. Rihanna
Havana - Camila Cabello feat. Young Thug
Senorita - Camila Cabello and Shawn Mendes
Por Una Cabeza - Carlos Gardel
From This Moment On - Celine Dion
My Heart Will Go On - Celine Dion
The Prayer - Celine Dion & Andrea Bocelli
Prelude from Te Deum - Charpentier
A Couple of Forevers - Chrisette Michele
A Thousand Years - Christina Perri
A Sky Full of Stars - Coldplay
Accidentally In Love - Counting Crows
Con Calma - Daddy Yankee
Best Part - Daniel Caesar feat. H.E.R.
Get You - Daniel Caesar feat. Kali Uchis
Speechless - Dan + Shay
Ants Marching - Dave Matthews Band
Clair de Lune - Debussy
Anyone - Demi Lovato
Cool for the Summer - Demi Lovato
Met Him Last Night - Demi Lovato feat. Ariana Grande
Kissing You from Romeo and Juliet - Des'ree
Break My Heart - Dua Lipa
Love Again - Dua Lipa
In My Feelings - Drake
September - Earth, Wind, & Fire
La Vie En Rose - Édith Piaf, Louiguy
Home - Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
Galway Girl - Ed Sheeran
Nancy Mulligan - Ed Sheeran
Perfect - Ed Sheeran
Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran
Dream a Little Dream of Me - Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong
Burn - Ellie Goulding
Can't Help Falling in Love - Elvis Presley
Súbeme La Radio - Enrique Iglesias
At Last - Etta James
Shake it Out - Florence and the Machine
Panis Angelicus - Franck
Blue Moon - Frank Sinatra
Fly Me to the Moon - Frank Sinatra
Can't Take My Eyes Off You - Frankie Valli
Like I Want You - Giveon
Feel Good - Gryffin & Illenium Feat. Daya
All You Need To Know - Gryffin & Slander (link hidden)lle Lehmann
Air from The Water Music - Handel
Bourree from The Water Music - Handel
Entrance of the Queen of Sheba - Handel
Hornpipe 1 from The Water Music - Handel
Hornpipe 2 from The Water Music - Handel
La Paix from The Royal Fireworks Music - Handel
Largo from Xerxes - Handel
Le Rejouissance from The Royal Fireworks Music - Handel
You're So Cool (from True Romance) - Hans Zimmer
I Loved Her First - Heartland
Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) - Hillsong United
What a Beautiful Name - Hillsong United
Trumpet Voluntary - J. Clarke
Air on the G String - J.S. Bach
Arioso - J.S. Bach
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring - J.S. Bach
Sheep May Safely Graze - J.S. Bach
Wachet Auf - J.S. Bach
Ave Maria - J.S. Bach - Gounod or Schubert
(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher- Jackie Wilson
You Make It Easy - Jason Aldean
Savage Love - Jason Derulo
Amen - John Adams
All of Me - John Legend
Imagine - John Lennon
You Raise Me Up - Josh Groban
Anyone - Justin Bieber
Peaches - Justin Bieber Feat. Giveon, Daniel Caesar
All of the Lights - Kanye West
Location - Khalid
Stay - The Kid Laroi & Justin Bieber
Dancing in the Moonlight - King Harvest
Into The Unknown (from Frozen 2) - Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez; arr. Taylor Davis
Flower Duet from Lakme - L. Delibes
The Edge of Glory - Lady Gaga
One Hand, One Heart (from West Side Story) - Leonard Bernstein
Hallelujah - Leonard Cohen
How Far I'll Go (from Moana) - Lin-Manuel Miranda
Truth Hurts - Lizzo
Despacito - Luis Fonsi
Beautiful Crazy - Luke Combs
Like a Prayer - Madonna
Hawái - Maluma
I See The Light from Tangled - Mandy Moore
Vision of Love - Mariah Carey
Let Me Love You - Mario
Memories - Maroon 5
Meditation from Thais - Massenet
10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) - Matt Redman
Wedding March - Mendelssohn
Nothing Else Matters - Metallica
All I Do Is Dream of You - Michael Buble
Midnight Sky - Miley Cyrus
Rondo - Mouret
Andante from Piano Concerto No. 21 - Mozart
Ave Verum Corpus - Mozart
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, K. 525 - Mozart
Alleluja from Exultate Jubilate - Mozart
This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) - Natalie Cole
Harvest Moon - Neil Young
Heart of Gold - Neil Young
Canon in D - Pachelbel
Still Into You - Paramore
Happy - Pharrell
Heaven - Pink Sweat$
Fireball - Pitbull
Timber - Pitbull feat. Ke$ha
Sunflower - Post Malone
Trumpet Tune - Purcell
Only Girl (In The World) - Rihanna
Stay - Rihanna feat. Mikky Ekko
Dancing on My Own - Robyn
Latch - Sam Smith
Stay With Me - Sam Smith
Truly, Madly, Deeply - Savage Garden
Kiss Me - Sixpence None The Richer
Turning Page - Sleeping at Last
Paint a Vulgar Picture - The Smiths
Galway Girl - Steve Earle
Begin Again - Taylor Swift
Cornelia Street - Taylor Swift
Wildest Dreams - Taylor Swift or Bridgerton version
Free Fallin' - Tom Petty
Dance Monkey - Tones and I
Amazing Grace - Traditional
DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love - Usher feat. Pitbull
Brown Eyed Girl - Van Morrison
Crazy Love - Van Morrison
Into the Mystic - Van Morrison
Tupelo Honey - Van Morrison
Allegro from Spring - Vivaldi
Largo from Winter - Vivaldi
Bridal Chorus - Wagner
Blinding Lights - The Weeknd
Earned It - The Weeknd
I Will Always Love You - Whitney Houston
River Flows in You - Yiruma
My classical violin influences include Hilary Hahn, Itzhak Perlman, Ginette Neveu, and many others! Other artists I admire are The Head & The Heart, Maggie Rogers, Penny & Sparrow, Olivia Dean, DRAMA, Noah Kahan, and Yumi Zouma.
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Buffalo Grove, IL 
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27 Verified Bookings Joseph C. said “Vicki was early and set herself up! I wanted to help her but she did it all! Her music was wonderful. Everyone at the condo and holiday party felt the…”
Chicago, IL
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3 Verified Bookings Michael S. said “words cannot describe how incredibly wonderful it was to play with Zara...her musical vocabulary is deep and wide...she effortlessly glides between genres…”
Chicago, IL
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135 Verified Bookings Jessica E. said “Adrian was wonderful! Highly recommend for any events!!”
Chicago, IL
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85 Verified Bookings Leslie R. said “Brian was awesome during our wedding! Our guests really enjoyed watching him perform. Would definitely consider him again!! Thanks”
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