“the best choice we made for our wedding vendors.”
Sample Repertoire
Hallelujah : Leonard Cohen
To Make You Feel My Love : Bob Dylan
Moon River : Henry Mancini
Can’t Help Falling In Love : Elvis Presley
All You Need is Love : The Beatles
La Vie En Rose : Edith Piaf
Embraceable You : Gershwin
I Want You Around : Snoh Aalegra
Best Part : Daniel Caesar / H.E.R
Sonata in D Major for Two Violins : Tartini
Please contact us to see our full repertoire list.
*Alira Strings only hires top of the industry professionals. All contracted Alira musicians’ biographies and resumes are available upon request.
Michelle Kim, founder and violinist
Los Angeles native violinist Michelle Kim is an active freelance violinist and teacher in the Los Angeles and surrounding areas. She has performed on the stages of Walt Disney Hall, Zipper Hall, Royce Hall, Wallis Annenberg Center, Hotel Cafe, Valley Performing Arts Center, Alex Theater and more. Michelle has also shared the stage with Mike Patton at the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival and with rock band Chicago as a part of San Francisco’s Magik*Magik Orchestra. Television credits include Netflix “When They See Us,” “Dear White People,” and ABC “For The People.” Musical Theater pit productions include Singing In The Rain, Carousel, Les Miserables, Evita, White Christmas and Elf. Summer festivals include the Colorado College Summer Music Festival, Orvieto Musica Chamber Music Festival in Orvieto, Italy. Michelle was the Assistant Director for the Emerging Artists Program at the Mendocino Music Festival from 2014-2019 and was a member of the Festival Orchestra. Michelle graduated from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music receiving her Master of Music degree under the tutelage of Axel Strauss, where she was the recipient of the Paul L. and Phyllis Wattis Foundation Scholarship. Her earlier studies include Michael Ferril at California State University, Northridge and Muneko Otani, first violinist of the Cassatt String Quartet. Throughout her musical education, Michelle has been fortunate enough to receive guidance from eminent musicians and pedagogues including Sir Simon Rattle, Eugene Drucker, Ian Swensen, Roy Malan, Bruce Dukov, Lewis Kaplan, Aimee Kreston and Mark Sokol.
Reviews
Alira Strings played for my wedding ceremony this past July. Musicianship and talent were absolute factors I required, but I also felt like I had someone on my team throughout the planning process. Michelle was prompt with correspondence, helpful with my questions and patient while I was deciding which songs I wanted played on the day of. I highly recommend this young and talented group of musicians for any event. Thank you Alira Strings for a beautiful music backdrop on such a special day!
Review by Han C.
I just want to thank you again... honestly, the music was the best part and you all did so wonderful. We are so grateful. Thank you.
Review by Elizabeth B.
Thank you for such amazing music during our wedding ceremony and cocktail hour! You ladies are incredible and our guests are still talking about how your music was one of the highlights of the day. You blended the classical arrangements with the contemporary pieces seamlessly. Thanks again!
Review by The Schalls
I hired Alira Strings Trio (two violins and a cello) for a 200 guest, very high-end celebratory dinner for a private philanthropic foundation event. We needed beautiful, high quality background music that would enhance the dinner experience. Our guests loved the music (as did I). I highly recommend them.
Review by Janet D. (gigmasters.com)
Michelle and the gals were simply awesome! Our wedding was running a bit late (due to an abundance of late guests) and the music we chose ended. Alira Strings Trio then improvised and everything was running smoothly. The comments from the guests were glowing positive about the music. Overall, having the string trio really upped the elegance of the ceremony. Would definitely pick them again!!
Review by Lee L. (gigmasters.com)
Alira Strings was amazing at my wedding ceremony! Michelle was so responsive and flexible through email! She took my requests and also was patient with me when I changed my mind on things. I just wish I could have heard the music during the pre-ceremony time! But I know my guests really enjoyed it!
Review by Stacy (weddingwire.com)
We originally wanted a string quartet but due to budget issues, we went with the Trio. Alira Strings made our wedding a dream come true. They played the ceremony music at my wedding and the guests were all very impressed. We had a meeting to go over the music and they have tons of songs to choose from. They are all truly amazing professional musicians that play in well known orchestras as their regular jobs. They didn't mess up once and the music was just beautiful. Probably the best choice we made for our wedding vendors. I highly recommend Alira Strings for any wedding!
Review by Jason (weddingwire.com)
These girls are truly wonderful. I had very specific unusual music choices for my ceremony, not the wedding march. I wanted Passacaglia/Secret Garden to walk down the aisle. Also, I wanted Kashmir played as we departed, after being announced as husband and wife. We provided a specific list of other songs, to be played during the seating of the guests etc. Alira Strings learned all of the requested pieces in time for the wedding, they added such a warm and elegant touch. This was everything I imagined and so much more. Thank you to Alira Strings!!!
Review by Diane (weddingwire.com)
Alira Strings provided beautiful music for my wedding. Michelle helped me every step of the way, offering suggestions and flexibly adding in a fanfare to one of the ceremony songs. The string duo (or you can have a trio or quartet) was just perfect for my small outdoor wedding-- they played beautifully! It's so wonderful to have live music for a ceremony (so classy!), and they are very reasonable. Alira Strings rocks and I would definitely recommend them!!!!
Review by Shari S.
We had the privilege of having Alira Strings play in our wedding ceremony this past July. Alira Strings brought both professionalism and musical excellence. They were easy to work with and are incredibly good at what they do! I would highly recommend them and will hire them for any events I have in the future! Thanks Alira Strings!
Review by Danny K.