Briana Di Mara
- Oakland, CA
- Violinist
- 36 Verified Bookings
Theresa C. said “Very professional ❤️”
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Looking for the Bay Area's most in-demand event musician? Ilana is an electric & acoustic violinist who has performed in recent years on tour with ODESZA, Kygo, Beck, Andrea Bocelli, Michael Buble, Josh Groban, the Eagles and too many others to list. But one of her main passions is helping craft memorable & unique celebrations for her private clients, as reflected by her perfect 5 star ratings across multiple platforms. Making your special requests the centerpiece of your event, I play unforgettable solo renditions, and/or with backing tracks, with other instrumentalists (guitar/strings) of hip hop, R&B, soul, pop, classical, and covers of every genre. Conservatory grad, rock star soul...
Lot of attendees commented and liked it.
I hired Ilana for a surprise engagement proposal and she is a highly talented musician and an amazing person to work with. Communication was fast and pleasant. She arrived to the venue 45mins early and positioned herself perfectly for the proposal. Ilana played a solo violin cover of Justin Timberlake Mirrors as I proposed to my girlfriend and made that moment overwhelmingly emotional. She also provided beautiful covers of 2000s songs such as K-C & Jojo. I can’t thank Ilana enough for making my proposal extra special.
I chose to surprise my girlfriend with an engagement ring while we were hiking by the water's edge overlooking SF. I hired Second Act to pretend to be a violinist practicing along the trail. As we stopped to listen, I got on one knee and proposed. Second Act pulled it off perfectly. Timing and attention to detail were critical and Second Act pulled it off perfectly. She arrived 45 minutes early, knew both songs I asked her to play and made numerous recommendations to make this occassion truly special.
To celebrate the combined birthdays of our son and my wife, we were incredibly fortunate to have found Ilana who organized a Classical duo performance for a small socially distant group. She played violin with her colleague playing the cello.
Ilana is blessed with an incredible talent (no surprise - her credentials are amazing) and able to flawlessly render the finest Classical compositions and contemporary tunes in a sublime and soul stirring manner.
We were treated to an hour and half of classical music, tango, sound of music, fiddler on the roof and based on the requests of the young adults - Coldplay, Christina Perri etc.
Everyone in our group sat riveted and left refreshed. It was a wonderful evening under the stars, listening to live music. Ilana is a maestro and we were treated to an event !
There is no better antidote for these bleak days of covid and the ongoing political circus. All of us in the SFO Bay Area have the opportunity to avail of these remarkably professional services (a concert in a bag so to speak) and We would be amiss to not take advantage of it.
Book Second Act and you will be richly rewarded !
Ms. Thomas made an already memorable evening absolutely unforgettable. If you ever want to take an event over the top and exceed expectations of those in attendance, hire Ms. Thomas. I needed something special for our ten year anniversary and she was it. My wife and two sons, 7 & 9, were amazed. It was just the four of us having an outdoor dinner, but she played as if there were hundreds watching. I’m getting goose bumps even now. She asked my boys what they would like to hear and played their favorites without hesitation.
My wife is still glowing. One of the most amazing nights if our lives.
Beautiful selections, wonderful technique. She provided a perfect interlude from these stressful times for a dear friend. I am absolutely grateful.
Response from Second Act Music:
Thanks so much for your sweet words. :) It was truly a privilege to play for such a lovely and knowledgeable audience, and what a wonderful gift you gave your friend! Truly heartwarming... Thanks again for having me.
Recently had Ilana do my wedding ceremony and she was great and very flexible. She did a great job and we were very pleased.
Response from Second Act Music:
Thank you and best of luck to you!! Loved the livestreamed wedding--great idea for the far-away relatives. :)
Ilana is an amazing musician and was so easy to work with! She accommodated our song requests for my grandma's memorial service, and it made for a lovely tribute. I would not hesitate to recommend her for any event where you are looking to work with a true professional.
A great experience with a very professional and inspiring performance.
We hosted a Downton Abbey themed luncheon for 85 ladies and Ilana provided the perfect musical backdrop. She arrived early, played beautifully, was professional and personable! As a bonus, she played the DA theme song, which she learned especially for our program! I highly recommend Ilana for any event!
Response from Second Act Music:
And what a pleasure it was to play for such a lovely luncheon and such a gracious group of ladies! Thanks again for having me.
Ilana was fantastic. Very professional. She was so easy to work with and very accommodating. Highly recommend!!
It was nice to work with Ilana and she was responsive and considerate of the family's requests. The service went very well. I would recommend her.
Ilana exceeded all expectations! She was delightful to work with from beginning to end and her performance was top notch. We needed a violinist for our wedding and Ilana proved to be the best choice we could have made. She played prior, during and at the end of our ceremony ALL the songs we requested plus more. I have nothing but sincere accolades for Ilana and her wonderful contribution to our marriage. THANKS Ilana!
Response from Second Act Music:
Thank you both! What a warm and wonderful family you have, and I could feel the love and support surrounding you both. I'm confident you're embarking on a lifetime of happiness and thank you for allowing me to be a part of your "launch". :)
We hired Ilana for a memorial celebration. She located a pianist to accompany her as we needed. Ilana was very accommodating of our desire for specific pieces of music, which required that she schedule a rehearsal in advance with the pianist. She was also very sensitive to family members still coping with our loss. She did a lovely job at the event and we were very pleased.
Response from Second Act Music:
Thanks! It was an honor to be included in your very special and heartfelt remembrance, and a real pleasure to work with someone with such impeccable taste in music. Best wishes to you and your beautiful family.
I would definitely recommend Second Act Music for a wedding event. Ilana was easy to get a hold of and she was very accommodating. When she was unable to perform at our wedding she found us a substitute who was fantastic! All of the guests were impressed.
Llana was great to work with. She provided lovely accompaniment to the wedding vocalist.
Ilana was very professional and communicated throughout the process. I knew exactly what to expect from her and she provided an amazing night for me. The event was for a proposal and Ilana performance was the highlight of the event.
Response from Second Act Music:
Thanks, Isaac! I loved being part of your well-planned and ultra-romantic proposal. Best of luck to both of you-- it was wonderful working for such lovely people. :)
Iliana was great to work with. She helped select appropriate music for our event, arrived on schedule and played flawlessly. I would highly recommend her.
Response from Second Act Music:
Thank you, Robert, for your kind words. I was honored to be a part of this celebration of a clearly exemplary life. It was deeply inspiring for me, and I thank you for including me. Best of everything to you and your lovely family.
In our eyes Ilana was a first class act. She was on time, as a musician she was flawless and her choices of music was spot on. We received so many comments on how she captured the day and provided comfort to everyone through the music. We are keeping Ilana in mind for future events. She is as the top of our list. Thank you Ilana. You truly helped us through a difficult time.
Response from Second Act Music:
Thank you so much for your kind words, Sharon. You were such a pleasure to work with, and you and your circle of family and friends were so warm and lovely. Thanks for allowing me to grace your celebration of his life, and may all the best come to you in your life.
From the moment the music started I knew she was the right choice she made the day extra special
Response from Second Act Music:
Thank you Irene! It was a lovely wedding and you were a beautiful and beaming bride. Best of luck. :)
I hired Ilana for a memorial service.
I asked her to pick the music and she did a great job and she sounded great.
I asked her to show up a little earlier and she did.
She is very professional and I would certainly hire her again.
Mark
Price Range: Contact for rates
Gig Length: 60 - 300 minutes
Insurance: $1,000,000 - General Liability
Unions: AFM
Every event starts with a full consultation about your needs, as every event is unique. Whether you're hiring me as an acoustic soloist, asking me to lead a string quartet, or engaging me for a party where you're wanting high energy music to get excited--even dancing--my focus is on the mood you're seeking to convey.
Once we settle on instrumentation, I'm eager to hear what types of songs will make your event stand apart. My song list numbers in the thousands and spans all genres, so that's a good place to start with our planning, but I'm also eager to hear your special requests, many available without any additional charges.
My main goal as a performer is to play music that audiences like to hear. It may sound simple, but it's a rather nuanced equation of reading a room, knowing as much music as possible, and riding the wave of an event, all while staying within the parameters that the client establishes for me. My happiest moments as a performer occur when that connection is complete and I know I can add magic and energy to an already very special moment.
With over 25 years of top-tier experience, this conservatory-trained violinist made her debut with the San Francisco Symphony at age 16, and followed a path which has led her to concert stages around the world, innumerable luxury weddings, countless corporate events, top festivals, and intimate private concerts.
Currently, she balances her time between performing as a principal and section violinist with area orchestras, including the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra, Symphony San Jose, and the Oakland, Santa Rosa & Marin Symphonies, with providing incomparable performances to private clients in a dizzying array of genres. Equally comfortable as a violin soloist, accompanying a DJ on electric violin, providing glamorous entrance music for Indian or Afghani weddings, providing contemporary or classical wedding ceremony music for City Hall weddings and other high-end events, playing in string quartets, duos, and trios, or playing along with recorded backing tracks or DJs, Ilana excels at everything from Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms to pop, contemporaryBollywood, R&B, soul, and hip hop. She adds songs to her list weekly, keeping things current and her playlist engaging.
Her past endeavors have included appearing with ODESZA in sold out NYE shows at the Warfield, at their Sundara Festival in Riviera Maya, Mexico, and in tour finale shows in LA and Stanford. She also performed with Kygo at Napa's Bottlerock Festival, at Monterey Jazz Festival backing Bridgerton phenom Kris Bowers, at Chase Center with the Eagles and with Andrea Bocelli and at the Greek Theater with Sigur Ros and Beck. She has also shared the stage and the studio with Josh Groban, Philip Glass, Michael Buble, Third Eye Blind, Warren Haynes, Il Divo, Adrien Marcel, DJ Fresh, the Monophonics, and countless others and has appeared at every major classical music festival, including Aspen, Tanglewood, Marlboro, and the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival. In the theater, she performed in original Broadway NY productions of The Producers and Aida and touring Broadway productions of Anastasia and Cinderella.
Ilana is a proud Oakland resident, devoted to continuing the next generation of music instruction in her community, teaching at the public charter Oakland School for the Arts as well as privately.
I generally prefer to perform acoustic, but can also provide amplification, consisting of a contact mic and amplifier, for larger or noisier events.
August 03, 2024 • 12:00pm - 2:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
November 25, 2023 • 12:00pm - 12:15pm | Wedding Engagement |
September 03, 2023 • 5:30pm - 7:00pm | Wedding Reception |
February 13, 2023 • 8:00pm - 8:15pm | Personal Occasion |
November 23, 2022 • 11:00am - 11:30am | Wedding Engagement |
November 17, 2022 • 12:30pm - 1:30pm | Corporate Event |
May 10, 2021 • 3:00pm - 3:15pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
April 17, 2021 • 2:00pm - 3:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
February 28, 2021 • 5:00pm - 6:00pm | Birthday Party |
January 22, 2021 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Wedding Engagement |
December 22, 2020 • 3:00pm - 3:30pm | Personal Occasion |
October 10, 2020 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Children’s Birthday Party |
August 29, 2020 • 7:00pm - 7:45pm | Personal Occasion |
August 28, 2020 • 6:30pm - 7:00pm | Surprise |
August 25, 2020 • 5:00pm - 5:45pm | Birthday Party |
August 01, 2020 • 10:30am - 12:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
July 17, 2020 • 3:00pm - 4:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
June 26, 2020 • 1:00pm - 1:30pm | Anniversary Party |
January 15, 2020 • 11:00am - 1:00pm | Nonprofit Event |
December 11, 2019 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Christmas Party |
July 14, 2018 • 5:00pm - 5:45pm | Wedding Ceremony |
March 02, 2018 • 8:30pm - 9:00pm | Personal Occasion |
February 24, 2018 • 11:00am - 1:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
December 12, 2017 • 9:00pm - 9:15pm | Wedding Engagement |
September 27, 2017 • 1:00pm - 2:30pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
July 15, 2017 • 2:30pm - 3:30pm | Festival |
July 14, 2017 • 11:30am - 12:30pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
July 08, 2017 • 2:00pm - 2:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
March 20, 2017 • 3:30pm - 4:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
January 20, 2017 • 1:30pm - 4:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
November 23, 2016 • 2:00pm - 3:30pm | Concert |
October 02, 2016 • 2:00pm - 4:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
September 23, 2016 • 5:00pm - 5:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
July 31, 2016 • 8:00pm - 10:00pm | Personal Occasion |
July 29, 2016–July 30, 2016 • 6:00pm - 12:00am | Wedding Ceremony |
July 18, 2016 • 11:30am - 11:45am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
June 23, 2016 • 4:00pm - 8:00pm | Grand Opening |
June 11, 2016 • 2:00pm - 2:30pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
May 28, 2016 • 4:00pm - 5:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
February 01, 2016 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Left Coast Chamber Ensemble-- San Francisco Conservatory of Music |
January 31, 2016 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Left Coast Chamber Ensemble-- Throckmorton Theater Mill Valley |
January 15, 2016 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Symphony Silicon Valley-- Raiders of the Lost Ark |
December 31, 2015 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Uncle Yu's Restaurant Livermore--private event |
December 26, 2015 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | USS Hornet Oakland |
December 20, 2015 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Private Event-- Vacaville |
December 20, 2015 • 12:00pm - 1:00pm | Wedding Engagement |
December 19, 2015 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Private event-- Livermore |
December 18, 2015 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Santa Clara Mission accompanying Peninsula Women's Choir |
December 17, 2015 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Private event-- Livermore |
December 17, 2015 • 10:00am - 1:00pm | Corporate Event |
December 15, 2015 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Modesto Symphony Candlelight Concert (concertmaster) |
December 05, 2015 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Blackhawk County Club-- with Blackhawk Choir |
December 03, 2015 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Berkeley Symphony Orchestra |
November 28, 2015 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Sacramento Philharmonic Tribute to Queen (concertmaster) |
October 27, 2015 • 4:30pm - 7:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
If sheet music exists for it, I can play it easily. If it doesn't, and you only have a YouTube clip/sound file, I can likely transcribe it. If you want to know if something is possible, please just ask.
Some top fan favorites at the moment for weddings are Can't Help Falling in Love, Canon in D, Can You Feel the Love Tonight and Marry You, but I enjoy highly personalized ceremonies with very different selections too!
For parties, I'd say right now Dua Lipa, Beyonce, Taylor Swift, all the Bridgerton selections, Doja Cat and Bollywood are trending, but there are really too many to list, across all genres. Every event is different, so every set list is unique. Please inquire and I can send a link to my current song list. But why stop there?
Black Violin and Joshua Bell come to mind-- and that fantastic violinist in Dave Matthews band!
My own tastes in music are so eclectic, I can't begin to come up with any common theme-- but on any given day, I might be listening to Lauryn Hill, Tower of Power, Mahler, Brahms, old school hip hop, Buddy Guy, (link hidden)ak, Hiatus Kaiyote, or Beyonce.
Shelter/Shaded Location
Nearby AC Power Outlet (only if amplification is requested)
Theresa C. said “Very professional ❤️”
T R. said “Beautiful music, professional, and kind! Stephanie interacted nicely with all our guests, and played all the songs we requested.”
Margo C. said “Ben accompanied our wedding ceremony with his music! He was very easy to work with, kind, open to learning new songs and trustworthy re: day of requests…”
Solo violinist for any type of event and celebration. Weddings, birthdays, baby showers, private parties.