small in number, big in sound
Event music service from two world-class multi-instrumentalists.

what we do

who we are

Katherine Stewart

A member of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain and an ASH Music Scholarship to the Royal College of Music; these were early milestones in Katherine's burgeoning career. Trained in classical violin, piano and flute with a strong background in traditional music, she has toured globally from Nigeria to Hong Kong and all over Europe. She has performed at the UK's most prestigious events, from the Royal Albert Hall at the BBC Proms to the Pyramid Stage at the Glastonbury Festival.

Chris Lyons

Multi-instrumentalist Chris is a Royal Academy of Music graduate who has won several prizes as both a jazz and classical pianist and has a particular passion for playing unusual instruments (saz, oud and Russian bayan among them). Prominent engagements have included working with the Deutsche oper, the London sinfonietta and he has played in festivals over the world. His soundtrack work is BAFTA nominated and he has worked as an orchestral arranger for the estate of Frank Zappa.

what we do

classical

We are primarily classical musicians and we perform traditional classical repertoire as a piano/violin duo to the highest standard.

bespoke arrangements

We offer a special service where we arrange popular songs in a classical style. Create a warm and classy atmosphere as your guests arrive or over dinner with some beautiful classical music - but with melodies your guests will recognise! We will arrange any piece of music you request. Please have a listen to the samples below, including our arrangement of Rihanna's Umbrella.

Umbrella - Rihanna

Méditation from Thaïs - Massenet

Winter - Vivaldi

Canon in D - Pachelbel

The Lark Ascending - Vaughan Williams

The Queen of Sheba - Handel

Air on the G String - J. S. Bach

Wedding March - Mendelssohn

Bridal Chorus - Wagner

Nanoband is the small band that can do everything! We are a violin and piano duo. But we are so much more than that...

learn more

our services

overview

Katherine and Chris, the founding members of Nanoband, are both multi-instrumentalists and active professionally in several genres.  That means we, as a duo, can cover almost any musical requirements your event has.  Need classy classical music for your corporate event?  We can do that!  Pop/ rock/ soul for getting people on the dancefloor?  We got you covered!  Need music for your wedding ceremony?  No problem!  Background Jazz for your dinner/reception?  Easy!  We can even play and call your ceilidh…

What makes us special is there is just the two of us!  We pride ourselves on providing a tailored and personal service where you can trust that with our experience, contacts and musical expertise we can provide the entertainment for your entire day.  We strive to make your unique event one that your guests will remember and we guarantee that the skill and experience of the musicians we work with are only the very best in the country.

small line-ups

SOLO:  We can provide a solo pianist playing classical music, jazz, covers or a mix of all three.

DUO:  As an instrumental duo we can provide any genre/s you would like.  Our line-up is primarily violin and piano but we can also provide violin and guitar.

TRIO:  We can provide an instrumental trio.  Or you can add a vocalist and we will play a mix of covers.  We work with several talented vocalists. We will select the singer whose voice lends itself best to your unique set.

vocalists

Kat Brooks

Jessie Bates

Stacey Bell

listen

A Thousand Miles - Vanessa Carlton
- Jessie, Katherine & Chris -

All of Me - John Legend
- Kat & Katherine -

Desafinado - Jazz Standard
- Jessie & Chris -

Fly Me to the Moon - Frank Sinatra
- Jessie, Katherine & Chris -

Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! - ABBA
- Jessie, Katherine & Chris -

If I Ain't Got You - Alicia Keys
- Stacey & Katherine -

I Just Want to Make Love to You - Etta James
- Kat, Katherine & Chris -

Just the Two of Us - Bill Withers
- Jessie, Katherine & Chris -

Songbird - Eva Cassidy
- Jessie & Chris -

G O  B I G !


covers band

Got a lot of guests or want lots of dancing?  This one's for you!  Add male vocals, guitar, keys, bass and drums for a full on party.  We can even provide a second vocalist, male vocals, brass or we will do our best to accommodate anything you can think of.  Here is a demo reel of our 5-piece covers band, recorded live on a gig!  We can also provide a mix of ceilidh and covers.

Demo reel for 5-piece covers band

ceilidh band

Katherine runs a ceilidh band: Bon:Stovi.  Visit their website at www.bonstovi.com if you are looking for just ceilidh, or you can book through Nanoband as part of your full day's entertainment.  Their standard line-up is 2 fiddles/ caller, acoustic guitar and drums.  For an extra special line-up you can add Chris on double bass!

packages

soloist/ duo

  • solo piano
  • violin & piano
  • violin & guitar
  • vocals & piano
  • any genre

trio

  • vocals, violin & piano
  • vocals, violin & guitar
  • instrumental options
  • any genre
  • background or party

go big

  • 4+ piece band
  • ceilidh/ covers
  • male vocals
  • guitar/ bass/ drums
  • dancing
Featured

full day

  • small & big line-ups
  • mix of genres
  • background music
  • dancing/ party
  • evening entertainment

F.A.Q.s

frequently asked questions

This depends. If it is a wedding ceremony in a cathedral then no, the sound will carry. If it is a party and people will be chatting and dancing then yes. We recommend DM Audio to supply a PA and a sound technician for local events. You can speak with them directly or we can handle that for you.

Many bands will supply their own PA system. The biggest problem with this is there is no one-size-fits-all PA system you can have that will ensure the same quality of sound for every event. Depending on the shape of the space, the size of the venue, the line-up and the number of guests the sound requirements will vary wildly. The difference in the quality of the sound is huge depending on the equipment hired - the bigger your budget the better sound you can achieve. This is why we outsource our sound - to ensure the best possible service, tailored for you. It also means you can have a sound engineer for your event, allowing you to use the PA system for your speeches or anything else for which you need amplification. We have contacts throughout the UK, send us an email and we can advise on what you will need.

A ceilidh (pronounced kay-lee) is a Scottish social gathering with dancing. A person (the caller) explains the dances and all you have to do is follow the instructions. It's fun, it's sociable, it's exhilarating and all your guests can join in; young or old, experienced or beginners, the nervous and the two left-footed. Strangers become best friends and everyone leaves with a smile on their face.

We have several options. We can bring an electric piano, play guitar instead, or you may be able to hire one in. Let us know and we can discuss what will work best for your unique set.

We will dress according to the dress code for your event. If you have a specific theme you would like us to fit in with, then please let us know in advance.

We can travel anywhere and play anything for your event. Please get in touch to see what we can do for you.

contact us

showcases

We do not currently have any upcoming showcases. If you would like to be kept informed of future ones please enter your details here.

Katherine and Chris are both multi-instrumentalists and active professionally in several genres. This means that we are in a unique position to be able to provide any music you wish for any part of your event with just the two of us with the optional addition of a vocalist. We are the perfect band if you are needing to keep your numbers down or you have a tight space and social distancing is difficult.

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