Throughout the year, the Directors at Media Today Online select organisations that have best demonstrated a proven ability to go that extra mile in not only meeting but exceeding the needs of their clients.  Therefore, in line with this philosophy, it gives us pleasure to announce Minstrel Musician­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ DANTE FERRARA has been selected to receive the ONLINE AWARD FOR unique wedding musician of the year 2011, an independent Award Programme recognised both locally and nationally.

Media Today Online is always keen to bring attention to those who are providing a product or service that stands out from the crowd and deserves to be appreciated not only by our readers, but also by a wider audience.

Your Wedding day can take years to plan, with every Bride wanting to create that WOW factor for her special day, ensuring it’s remembered for all the right reasons. With so much time and energy being spent organising the flowers, outfits for the bridal party, venue for the reception etc, one important factor which may get overlooked is the type of music you choose to be performed at various key points throughout the day.

A sure way to make your wedding extra-special is to hire the services of Award-winning Dante Ferrara, a professional musician who provides a range of Elizabethan, Tudor or Renaissance popular music to suit the occasion. As well as weddings Dante also provides his unique musical services for Concerts; Banquets, Birthday Parties and other special events.

In selecting Dante for this award, the Judges were particularly impressed with the range of instruments he had mastered, these include the Lute, Cittern, Hurdy Gurdy, Colascione, Orpharionand English Bagpipes: “As part of the package I offer to couples, I can announce the Bride’s entrance to the wedding ceremony by piping her in using English Bagpipes, which give a far more gentle tone than the traditional Scottish Bagpipes.”

As part of the Wedding Package, Dante will use his Lute to create soft background music whilst the happy couple are signing the register, after which he captures the excitement and joy of the occasion by piping them down the isle at the end of the ceremony: “I play different instruments to fit in with the mood of the wedding celebrations taking place throughout the day.  For example I will switch to the Hurdy Gurdy, which produces a bright and lively tone helping to create a festive atmosphere whilst the photographs are being taken.”

What sets Dante aside from other musicians is the fact that he doesn’t just sit in a corner playing his instruments, but prefers to mingle with the guests and stroll around whether inside or in the gardens.

Another unique aspect to Dante’s performance is the fact that he also dresses in Elizabethan costume and has four outfits from which you can choose, to ensure what he wears co-ordinates with that worn by the bridal party.

As you would expect Dante will play quiet, distinctive background music throughout the reception, allowing guests to chat with one another comfortably, without the need to shout to be heard over the background music.

Key to securing this award was also the fact that, unlike many other musicians, Dante does not charge for his services by the hour:  “This is particularly relevant at Weddings which invariably don’t run to time.  The bride and groom can relax in the knowledge that I will be at their Big Day from before the ceremony until after the reception dinner.” 

Having been a professional musician for over 27 years, Dante has been able to draw on his experience and musical talent to perform for clients in venues including country houses and castles: “I am happy to play anywhere and can adapt to any environment.”

Dante’s reputation has spread over the years, with iconic stars such as Elton John, having invited Dante to play at a party he was giving in his home.  He has also played for Pavarotti and summoned up the courage to sing the ‘Blackadder’ signature tune at a private party attended by Rowan Atkinson.

No stranger to TV and Radio, Dante’s musical talent led to him being asked to take part in an episode of Blue Peter.  Therefore, it doesn’t come as a surprise to learn that as well as giving education talks at schools throughout the country, Dante has played at prestigious events worldwide.

Why not visit website: www.danteferrara.co.uk  where you will hear Dante’s instruments and find details of his albums including his latest CD Bazimakoo, his one-man comedy show and video clips related to these, together with further information on the services Dante provides.

Receiving this accolade not only forms the final piece of the jigsaw that confirms Dante’s success, but it also acts as a seal of approval to prospective clients.

Commenting on receiving this Award, Dante went on to say:  “Providing clients with unique and quality entertainment has always driven me and I am delighted to accept this award in recognition of my services.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Dante Ferrara
Tel: 01522 512 753
Email: dante.f@btinternet.com
Website: www.danteferrara.co.uk