Electric Flutes

Biography

ELECTRIC FLUTES are a charismatic and innovative team of glamorous flute players, all award-winning musicians classically trained at the world’s leading music institutions. They are renowned for their dynamic and virtuosic electric stage show, featuring well-known classical-crossover and popular covers, and can also provide sophisticated background music for elegant soirées. Available as a flute soloist, duo or trio, this versatile group caters for each individual event, carefully planning their presentation and repertoire to compliment the occasion. Performers play on handmade Gold flutes as well as using alto and bass flutes, whistles, ethnic flutes and panpipes, and their unique Swarovski Flute, encrusted with over 8,000 hand-placed Swarovski crystals.

They have appeared at events across the UK and around the world; from intimate gatherings to gala dinners with over 1,000 guests. They have appeared at Old Billingsgate, Westminster Abbey and Somerset House in London, Vogue Caftan in Marrakech, the British Embassy in Kenya, and the Hôtel Hermitage in Monte Carlo. Founding members are London-based friends Abigail Burrows, Gareth McLearnon and Clare Jefferis and the team also consists of a fourth ‘deputy’ member so that the group has some flexibility and can also offer an all-girl line-up. All award winning instrumentalists, they have collectively recorded and performed with Katherine Jenkins, Russell Watson, Lesley Garrett, Sir James Galway, Nigel Kennedy, Ben Folds, Goldie, Antony and The Johnsons, Katie Melua, Blake, G4, Labrinth, Jamie Cullum, Tim Minchin and Jethro Tull.

Booking Options

Choose from a Flute Soloist, Duo or Trio for any of the following packages:

Bronze Package: Background Music (acoustic or with backing track) Appropriate for Drinks Receptions, Parties, Corporate Dinners etc.

Silver Package: Staged Performance (20 mins) Suitable for Launches, Parties, Drinks Receptions, Fashion Shows, Premieres etc.

Gold Package: Background Music (45 mins) followed by a Staged Performance (20 mins) Ideal for Gala Dinners, Awards Shows, Conferences, Drinks Receptions, Parties etc.

Diamond Package: Three tailor-made Show Sets throughout the evening, varying in style (3 x 15 mins) Perfect for Gala Dinners and Awards Shows (interludes between courses/speeches) etc.

The Show

The Electric Flute Show is a dynamic and virtuosic fusion of well known classical and popular music. Performing over backing track, flutes are amplified, players dressed to impress and each performance is tailored to each event. Themes and requests are welcomed, musically or visually. It is even possible to create a special arrangement featuring a company jingle or favourite song. Tracks used in the show have been produced for them by industry leaders who have worked for Sony, BMG and ITV.

Choose from a line-up of Solo Electric Flute, Duo or Trio.

Audiences are ‘blown away’ by a stunning display of artistry and energy and wowed by the infamous ‘Diamonds are Forever’ routine featuring the Swarovski Flute, encrusted with over 8,000 hand-placed crystals!

Background music

Choose from:

Solo Flute: Roaming or Static, can perform with or without backing track

Duo or Trio: With or without backing track

A highly versatile group, Electric Flutes* are the ideal choice for background music. They can be booked as a classical acoustic ensemble or a stylish ‘electric’ group with subtle amplification and unobtrusive backing tracks. Performers can supply their own PA system (PAC certified) and have a wide selection of music to suit all tastes, including classical, film themes, opera, showtunes, jazz, folk and pop ballads.  

Players have many years experience providing elegant sets at conferences, receptions, dinners, awards shows and red carpet events. They are happy to blend into the background in smart black concert clothes, or be more of a feature and dress to compliment the occasion. Recent requests include: ballgowns & tux, white angels, gold colour-scheme, 1920s theme and even a fancy dress Wood Nymph!

Seen at

• Old Billingsgate, London
• Espace Hotel, Marrakech
• Hotel Hermitage, Monte Carlo
• Somerset House, London
• Drapers Hall, London
• British Embassy, Kenya
• Muthaiga Country Club, Kenya
• Alexandra Palace, London
• Westminster Abbey, London
• Park Plaza Hotel, London
• Earl’s Court, London
• Institute of Education, London
• Southwark Cathedral, London
• Victoria & Albert Museum, London
• The Southbank, London
• Cooling Castle, Rochester
• RAF Bases Shawbury, Marham and High Wycombe

Technical Specifications

Performers carry their own specialist microphones but require production (can be provided)

The PA System

• The system should ideally be a four way but minimum a three way active system from a reputable manufacturer (eg Turbosound, EAW, D&B, Nexo etc…). Mackie, Peavey, Behringer or similar manufacturers are not acceptable.

• The system is to be run in stereo where suitable.

• The power of the system must be suitable for the size of the room and the type of the event.

• Electric Flutes Ensemble do not provide a sound engineer unless specifically requested, as such, an experienced sound engineer is to be present during the soundcheck and the show to ensure that the system is running properly and the sound is mixed correctly.

• It would be appreciated if Electric Flutes could liaise directly with the sound engineer prior to the event.

Channel List

1. Flute 1
2. Flute 2
3. Flute 3
4. Vocal (if possible)
5. ipod L
6. ipod R
7. CD L
8. CD R

Microphones

Electric Flutes ensemble carry their own microphone and radio microphone systems. Please get in touch to discuss frequencies and compatibility if you would prefer us to use your own radio systems.  A vocal mic (such as a Shure SM58/Beta 87 cabled mic) on a single stand would be appreciated although not essential.

Microphones carried by the Electric Flutes include Sennheiser Freeport Wireless Microphones with the following specifications:

• Omni-directional condensor clip-on microphone
• Frequency response: 80Hz – 16kHz
• Audio output level (balanced): XLR, +16dBu
• Audio output level (unbalanced): Jack, +10dBu
• RF frequency range: UHF
• Transmission/receiving frequencies: 4
• Switching bandwidth: 2MHz
• RF output power: 10mW
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 95 dB(A)
• THD, total harmonic distortion: < 1%
• Power supply: 12V DC nom
• Power supply (Bodypack transmitter): 9VPP3

We also use a cabled SD Systems LCM70 Flute mic.  Specifications are:

• Powering: 1 x 9v battery (supplied), or phantom power 48_52V.
• Frequency response: 50 – 20,000 Hz
• Sensitivity @ 1KHz: 8 mV/Pa +/- 2.5 dB
• Output: XLR balanced output
• Output impedence at 1 kHz: 1 Kohm
• Signal to noise ratio: > 64dB
• Max. sound pressure level: 135 dB at 1% TDH

Desk

The desk is the choice of the engineer mixing the show, but should be from a reputable manufacturer. Desks by Behringer, Mackie or Spirit are not acceptable. Where an analogue board is used separate reverb and delay units are required.

Monitoring

Electric Flutes Ensemble require 3 wedges, where possible on three separate mixes.

Playback

We require a CD player and a cable to connect an iPod into the PA system.

Lighting

The stage is to be well lit at all times so that the performance is clearly visible. Use of effects, lighting and smoke or haze to enhance the show is encouraged.  The set includes a Swarovski Flute which only glitters under intelligent lighting.

Extra Notes

Electric Flutes require a full 1 hour sound check.  The sound engineer must be present for the entire time.  If Electric Flutes are asked to supply a sound engineer and/or equipment, we use Subfrantic Production Services.  http://www.subfrantic.com

Song list