list of musicians and bands for hire for weddings, events and functions in Sydney
Bands, musicians listed in the Sydney Yellow Pages
Wedding musicians
String orchestras, string quartets, Jazz and Latin bands for hire in Sydney, Newcastle, The Hunter Valley, Pokolbin, Central Coast, Bowral, Southern Highlands and Wollongong
The Viva bands are in high demand, they are very special and have no equal in Sydney, they engage audiences with truly entertaining music which includes: Jazz, Swing and Latin music and they stand out with their added repertoire of French Cafe' music and iconic tunes from around the world
The Paris experience
Jazz, Latin and rock music is commonplace in Australia and it is not difficult to locate many bands that perform this music, typically in an American style
We were aware that many Asian countries like French music and European countries do not have a culture of rock music so we decided we wanted to learn more about the music culture of Europe and to try and capture the essence of French music. We traveled to Paris in 2000 and located a few live music venues at Les Halls and the Latin quarter. At Les Halls the bands performed mostly Jazz, Latin, Edith Piaff cafe' tunes and Django Reinhardt style gypsy Jazz. In the Latin Quarter the bands played many different styles of music: Russian, Hungarian, Ukraine, Greek, Turkish, Spanish and Italian etc. For a number of weeks we listened and absorbed some of the character of the performances of the music. Upon returning to Australia Viva the band began utilizing what they had learnt in Paris
Andre Rieu has appeared on the local scene only recently and has created an audience that will accept European music. Viva audiences instantly recognize the tunes Viva play mostly because of Andre's influence, we tend to call some of our repertoire as "covers of Andre Rieu music"
We hope that listening to the Viva bands gives the listener an opportunity to share in some of our experiences of the character of the music in Paris and Europe. We have noticed that our extended repertoire of world music is very popular at community events and has been a major contributing factor for the wonderful receptions of our performances at International and interstate venues
Short music samples
Listen to short samples of music from Viva the Duo CD "The Journey" "Music From Around the World With Viva the Band" youtube
The CD "The Journey" can be purchased at Mall Music Brookvale NSW
A complete list of Viva youtube videos are at Viva on youtube
Here are some selections
Video of Paris
View the video of a Paris and a selection of French songs by Viva the duo at youtube
Video of Taiwan
View a video of a glorious tune performed by a Korean band at the opening of the Tainan International Chihsi Arts Festival at youtube
El Condor Pasa and Viva the band
View an impromptu performance of El Condor Pasa as a tribute to Viva the band farewell performance in Taiwan at youtube
Video of Japan
View a video of Japan containing the soundtrack Kikuchiyo to Moshimasu at youtube
Video of South Vietnam 1969
View Video with soundtrack of the band in South Vietnam 1969 youtube
About booking bands in Sydney
This site is designed to provide as much information as possible, so that clients can make an informed decision about which band to hire, as many clients who hire bands rarely select a band from a catalogue, brides usually select a band that their parents and guests will enjoy. Corporations, clubs and hotels mostly rely on a reputable agent for their entertainment needs. Festival producers and organizers for Councils events use bands they know from a short list they have developed over a period of years. Covers and Tribute bands are common and there are very few unique bands that play instrumental World music in Sydney
This website has huge amount of background information about the Sydney Viva bands, their work and how they operate. The Viva bands do not simply expect people to like them, rather, they enjoy their music and they invite their audiences to share in that enjoyment, they are well presented, reliable and highly organized, they service an extensive list of clients who are mostly outside of the club industry (as published on our venues page)
Important note - to save you time
If you are pressed for time and only require a quick perusal of the Viva bands, click on the condensed pages for duo musicians Viva the duo info or quartet band Viva the band (quartet) info
We have provided links to lots of other bands you can check out as well
Note: If your venue is not appropriate for the Viva bands (e.g. we don't play loud music and we don't work in clubs other than as a feature act or at special functions). To assist you in finding a band to your liking, there are lists and a database of other bands available on this site with contact details. The lists include all types of bands, check them out in the index of bands network Index pageThe listings at yellow pages for bands for hire in Sydney is also helpful for finding the right band for your special event, click on band listings in the Yellow Pages Sydney Yellow Pages bands for hire in Sydney
The management of the Viva bands
Peter and Marie Rappolt are the managers of the Viva bands, Peter was a recording and television artist of the 60's, one of the pioneers of "Surf" music in Australia with his band The Echomen producing records on Australia's hit parades. Peter and his wife Marie spent many years performing throughout S.E. Asia as well as owning a popular nightclub in Bangkok for awhile, they have now developed the popular Viva the duo and Viva the band (quartet-quintet) into truly exciting and entertaining bands with a diverse repertoire of eclectic European music (with a leaning towards French and Spanish music) along with the standard fare of Jazz, Swing and Latin music
Hiring a band for community events, corporate functions, parties and weddings
Viva the duo play jazz, swing, lively Latin, bossa nova's, salsa music, plus European and French music with some Edith Piaf and French Cafe' tunes
To see where Viva bands are currently working in Sydney, Newcastle and areas South of Sydney, go to page for gigs for bands in Sydney our jobs
Prices to hire the bands and musicians are published on our prices to hire bands page pricing
The bands are insured for public liability, a certificate of currency is provided upon request.
Live music entertainment in Sydney
Vivacity is part of the Sydney Festival program, a fantastic presentation of an array of music talent and entertainment
Bands for background music at weddings, corporate events, parties, Art Exhibitions, Fashion parades
It is common practice to use string bands for background music, for a similar effect, but with something special, Viva the duo can perform the same function as a string band with strictly instrumental background music, they also create a romantic and engaging ambiance.
The duo can also provide quiet dance music with a repertoire of rumbas, bossa nova's, tango's, jazz and quieter swing tunes. What could be more delightful than a French accordion and guitar playing "La Vi En Rose" or "It Had To Be You". The duo can also play tunes such as "Brazil" for a lively samba or "In The Mood" for a upbeat swing tune.
For information about hiring this duo go to duo musicians :
duo hire information
For information about hiring this quartet go to quartet information :
quartet hire information
Description of web site for wedding and function bands
The Viva bands specialize in weddings, corporate functions, parties and live music events. The duo in particular specialize in Instrumental work. We hope we have provided sufficient information that adequately describe the band combinations, the type of work that the bands regularly work at, the styles of music and how other people have appreciated the band, as an example:
The Manly Daily 28/12/07 describes Viva as "the brilliant jazz trio"
The Viva bands have an extensive history of International performances. The most prominent being in Taiwan in 2004 and 2005 where the band performed for a series of concerts and television appearances, the photo depicts Viva and a group of International performers being welcomed in a street parade in Taichung and later welcomed by the Mayor in television Interviews over a period of 2 weeks in 2004 and 4 weeks in 2005, there are also numerous presentations of Viva the band at some of their overseas engagements shown on youtube
The development of the Viva bands
The viva bands are the evolution of the original recording and TV Surf band The Echomen. The founders of the Echomen and Viva bands progressed through the Rock and Roll Era of the 60's, 70.s and 80's. In 1996 they dispensed with a massive array of electronic equipment and focused on more intimate entertainment with mostly acoustic and portable equipment
other bands in Sydney
This site also has links on other pages to hundreds of other bands that are available for weddings in Sydney including: string trios, string quartets, jazz trio's and jazz quartets, Instrumental only bands, Latin and salsa combos, cover bands, rock bands and tribute bands that imitate iconic bands etc.
If you require a covers band with sequencers, pre-recorded or computer generated backings, be sure to enquire if the band mime just the backings, the vocal (lip sync) or the lot. (Generally the more computer support the band has - the better the imitation).
a band for themed functions
If you are intending to conduct a venue with a romantic Paris theme, Viva the duo include some French music in their repertoire and are able to provide a French theme with their selection of French cafe' and Edith Piaf tunes on authentic instruments of musette accordion, bass, flute and Spanish guitar. This delightful feature of the duo has been invaluable in supporting a French theme at many French themed events, in particular, A Night of Romance and Ah La Belle Paris for the presentation of Opera in the vineyards and French themed exhibitions attended by French dignitaries in Australia at The Australian National Maritime Museum.
a band for entertainment at Vineyards at the Hunter Valley
There are many press releases about Viva the duo and Viva the band on google, our latest press release was published in Russia, Central Europe, France, Spain, Italy, Hungary and The Gulf community at this link:- Opera in the Vineyards and Viva the duo
Description of Viva music styles
Viva's performances gives the listener the benefit of listening to performances of music that has been developed by the bands lifelong experiences and their appreciation of the huge impact of great show tunes on the populas, mostly prior to the advent of television.
In addition to the standard fare of Swing, Jazz and Latin music, It's nice to hear a piece of music that inspired the band whilst they were in France, their music is authentic and the listener could easily imagine themselves to be in Paris listening to a local band playing popular Edith Piaf and romantic cafe' tunes.
The band also perform tangos such as: Jealousy, La Cumparsita, Amapola, Hernando's Hideaway, El Choclo (Kiss Of Fire) plus tunes such as: From Russia with love, Dark Eyes or Espana Cani, Viva Espana (pasadoble), tunes that were portrayed in the television series Dancing With The Stars. Some of Viva's repertoire includes music heard in classic movies such as Sway in Shall We Dance, or Django Reinhardt and the Hot Club of France hep Gypsy Jazz tunes in The Aviator, or You Belong To Me in Shrek, or It Had To Be You from When Harry Met Sally, plus ever popular tunes such as Stardust, In the Mood, Granada, The Godfather Waltz etc.
A list of Viva the band songs and duo tunes can be viewed at repertoire page Viva repertoire
Hiring a duo for a special show
The duo perform concerts at major club Venues and corporate functions and can also provide staged events or roving performances at community events and store promotions. The duo of accordion, bass, flute and Spanish guitar perform from a repertoire of Jazz, swing, Latin, salsa, Spanish and stunning show tunes as well as chic French music
In addition to band work, the duo have developed their repertoire to perform as a specialty instrumental act for club or corporate entertainment and theatrical productions.
As an act, the duo perform a 45 minute showcase of their special show tunes including some French, Spanish and Gypsy Jazz music. The duo is currently featured as Viva "Paris" duo as an International act in the Roddy Montez production of the Viva Latin American and International show. The duo has also performed for theatrical productions and many French themed events.
Hiring a duo for an outdoor party, a wedding or a themed function
Viva the duo with the Jiri Kripac - popular International trumpet player at a French themed party
Hiring a quartet for weddings and functions
Viva the band (quartet), extends the duo's sound with Vocals in harmony, congas, flute, percussion and extra guitar added to the band. The band provides lively performances of Latin and Salsa along with a varied repertoire of popular Jazz, swing, French and Cabaret show tunes. The quartet is very popular for parties and functions, delighting their audiences with their diverse repertoire.
Music for a ceremony or a function
Wedding Ceremony
- Background music during arrival of guests
- Bride arrival (French fanfare)
- Tune (It Had To Be You) during signing of register
- Background music during photographs introductions etc
Wedding reception or dinner, dancing function
- Background or dinner music . Jazz standards, bossa nova's etc
- Dance music at dinner parties playing swing, bossa nova's tango's etc
- Dinner cabaret show (If required) playing French, Spanish, classic show tunes etc
- Up beat dance music at dinner dances: Jazz, Swing, Latin, Salsa etc.
Music samples are available at: CD Baby
Hiring a show band for an event or festival
Viva the band builds to a sextet, for major festivals, music events and special functions. The addition of drums gives more punch and the jazz violin or trumpet adds another sound colour to the band. The band is very popular at Jazz Festivals with regular appearances at: Gold Coast Jazz and blues festival, Thredbo Jazz Festival, Newcastle Jazz Festival, Morpeth Jazz festival, Manly International Jazz Festival, Illawarra Jazz Festival, Kiama Jazz Festival, Jazz in the City at QVB, Music events at Sydney Olympic park, Darling Harbour and Local Council events.
The Viva combos are excellent for wedding receptions, however, if you want to peruse who else may be available for weddings, we have a list that includes typical solo musicians and string trios etc. at : wedding musicians
Hiring a roving band for community events, marketing expos in Sydney
The jazzy duo and trio, with their strong instrumental content of show tunes is popular at Council events, University functions, shopping centres, community events, marketing expos, art festivals, wine and food festivals etc. with venues and clients such as: Opera in the Vineyards, Westfield shopping centres, Warringah Mall, Feastability at Newtown, Warringah, Art Gallery, Coca Cola, Oddfellows, Krispy Kreme, Gloria Jeans, Yalumba wines, De Bortoli winery, Lindeman's winery, Orlando Wyndham Estate winery, French Trade Commission, Manly Council, Mosman Council, Newcastle Council, Gosford Council, City of Canada Bay Council, Canterbury Council, Penrith Council, Warringah Council, Liverpool Council, Nelson Bay Center, Warners Bay Chamber of Commerce, The Entrance Town Centre Management, Marrickville Council, Sydney University, Macquarie University, International House, Mc Donald College of performing arts, Jaguar, Mercedes, Porsche promotions and many more
Viva the band has a background of television and recording work and easily adjust from being a concert band, performing to International audiences in their thousands, to being an affordable combo for playing background music or music for dining and dancing at special parties, functions and weddings. Check our pricing page to see just how affordable the Viva bands are.
Our current headlines and venues pages will give you a good idea of the bands work, these pages should assist you in deciding if the duo, quartet or sextet is suitable for your special event.
There are hundreds of media releases about Viva the band on the internet, click on this link:Viva media releases alternatively you can type "viva the band" in google, ninemsn or yahoo search
testimonials about Sydney bands
We have provided some testimonials about the Viva bands in our referemces pasge testimonials page
A brief history of Viva the band in Sydney
You can read more about the bands extensive history in our history page and their current list of performances in our gigs for bands and venues pages our jobs and our venues pages
The band combinations are reasonably priced and are geared for wedding receptions, corporate functions and community events, check our prices at pricing page
Contact details
If you would like to discuss your requirements, please phone me at Sydney (02) 9970 6006 Please note: I am the guitar player in the band, so if we are not at home, please leave a message on our answer machine or email: rappolt@optushome.com.au
Update - the Andre Rieu performances in Melbourne Australia
The performances by Andre Rieu and his JSO orchestra in Melbourne on the 13th, 14th, 15th November were a huge success despite some negative treatment by Australia's media, the photo depicts the stands packed to the rafters, the grounds were also packed out.
More information about these concerts are at this link Andre Rieu Melbourne concerts
To see more of this site, go back to the index at the top of the page or click on these links
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- link to history page for a sydney wedding band link
- link to music for wedding receptions link
- link to our jobs page where sydney bands are currently performing link
- links to wedding reception venues link
- links to live music venues in Sydney links
- link to testimonials and reviews about wedding musicians in Sydney link
- link to weekend getaway, for family entertainment, food, pets allowed link
- link to prices for function bands and musicians in Sydney link
- link to French music for themed functions in Sydney link
- link to wedding protocol at wedding receptions link
- links to jazz bands in Sydney links
- links to covers and rock bands in Sydney links
- wedding services in Sydney links