Rachel played at our wedding for the ceremony and cocktail hour. It was absolutely a highlight for both of us!! We got to suggest the music and she was so helpful with her suggestions. So many guests said it was such a beautiful touch. Truly, you were fantastic and I will absolutely recommend you to my engaged friends! You made our day amazing!!   Bethany Gorski May 2024	photo by Shaina Sterrett Photography
“Rachel and her team were a joy to work with! They showed up on time, were friendly, and professional, and of course, they were extremely talented! I worked with Cortland Music for two events this past summer and will continue to recommend them to clients in the future. For the first event, we hired a trio. They were quick to adapt to cues and made for a flawless ceremony. Unfortunately, it started to rain for the outdoor cocktail reception, but the trio was quick to react, by finding shelter under the tent and getting back to performing without missing a beat! For the second event, Rachel performed solo and once again performed a perfect ceremony! If you are looking for musicians to perform at your wedding, Cortland Music is a wonderful option!”   Kathryn MacPhee - KM Wedding Event Co Kathryn MacPhee Photography November 2023	photo by Portraits by Johanna
“Rachel of Cortland Music played solo cello during my summer wedding ceremony. It was an incredible way to welcome guests into the ceremony space and set the tone for the whole evening. Guests spoke highly of Rachel's skill and music selections, and her performance created a memorable experience for everyone. In the weeks leading up to the wedding, Rachel went above and beyond to ensure our music selections worked with the cello, created arrangements for songs she didn't know and learned to play them flawlessly, and even found accompaniments for a few special songs we had selected for our ceremony that didn't quite work with a solo cello on it's own. Overall, Rachel's professionalism leading up to the event made us feel confident in her abilities and her performance was the perfect, memorable way to start off our wedding.” Emily Burnell August 2023	photo by Kandr Photography
“Not only was Rachel professional and accommodating to deal with, her services were amazing. She was one of the first people we reached out to when we started planning our wedding. She has a wide variety of music to pick from on her website, including modern love songs which was a huge priority for us! She's also willing to learn a new song at your request which I felt was above and beyond the service required. Rachel and I met multiple times by zoom and she was prompt and pleasant to deal with by text. She's incredibly organized and attentive to detail (I had some specific requests for music transitions that were done perfectly). For our wedding we hired a violin/cello duo and couldn't have been happier with how they played. I would highly recommend this service based on both their professionalism and excellent performance.”   Courtney & Josh Downtown Halifax September 10th, 2022	photo by Julie Cameron Photography

  

“We booked a strings duo with Cortland Music for our wedding ceremony and cocktail hour music, they were one of the first vendors we secured for the day. Having instrumental music at our wedding has always been a dream. Having a violinist and cellist throughout our ceremony was incredibly special and we received so many compliments. Rachel took our requests and made them into a reality! The musicians were spectacular, and provided a lovely ambiance. We had no issues whatsoever. It is worthwhile noting that they have a great list of older and newer songs to choose from, and are open to learning songs that are not on their list. Rachel took our request of Tina Turner’s “Simply the Best” and made it into a reality! I would work with her again in a heartbeat. If you are thinking about it - don't hesitate! It's 100% worth the investment.   Nathan & Brent Benjamin Bridge Winery August 8th, 2022

photo by Leslie Estelle Photography

 

"Thank you SO much for playing for our wedding, it was amazing! The whole day feels like a dream. I don’t know how you do it, but I never once thought about the music and you coordinated it all so beautifully!"   Valerie Porter Brookfield, NS August 13th, 2022

photo by Earth and Honey Photography

“Rachel was very kind and kept our guests entertained with lovely music despite the unexpectedly long delay in starting our ceremony. Thank you so much Rachel! You really made our day!”
 
David Levine
Halifax Harbourfront Marriott
August 1st, 2022

“Rachel was a beautiful and elegant addition to our wedding ceremony. She was very professional and communicated well during preparations for the ceremony.” 
 
Heather Wacker
Dartmouth Yacht Club
July 30th, 2022

“Hey Rachel. Just wanted to say thanks so much for the [violin & cello duo] music for the wedding. I’ve gotten SO many comments on how nice it was, so thank you very much, it was perfect!”
 
Brandon Rehill, groom
Lord Nelson Hotel
May 21st, 2022 

“I've had the pleasure of knowing and working with Rachel now for more than half a decade. It's a joy to be in her presence, and her love of music and all it can bring, come through in her [solo cello] performance on one of the world's most beautiful instruments, the cello.”
 
Adrian Hoffman
CBC Radio 2, Host and Producer
2009

“Rachel’s [solo cello] music was a perfect addition to NSBI’s 2008 holiday gathering. She greeted our guests with her classical melodies and created a wonderful ambiance that can be tricky to achieve in an office setting."  
 
Stephen Lund
President & CEO, Scotia Business Inc.
2008

"I am very happy to recommend the outstanding musical talents of Cortland Music. This group of classical musicians have been making wonderful musical contributions at Dalhousie University for many years. They play in all kinds of venues and to all sizes of audiences, and they always add to the quality and spirit of our events. 
 
Tom Traves, President 
Dalhousie University
2008
 
 

"Having had the opportunity to work with Rachel over the past five years, I never worry when she is on the job.  From planning through to execution, Rachel is extremely organized, flexible and professional. Her beautiful classical music adds a simple elegance to our events."  
 
Lauren Patterson, Manager of Group Sales
Pier 21
www.pier21.ca
2009
 
 

 
"I very much enjoyed corresponding with Rachel prior to the event. She is very professional and easy to talk to. When she arrived, she wore a stylish black dress, which was very appropriate, and in keeping with the feel of the evening. Rachel's beautiful and elegant music definitely gave our fund raiser a feel of class and luxury. I knew the guests were impressed, because I kept getting compliments about her throughout the evening, and even the next day! My only regret is we didn't have her play longer. After seeing how much she contributed to this event, I am very happy to recommend her to others!"
 

Colleen O'Hara Gallant
President, Home and School Association
Crichton Park Elementary, Dartmouth NS
Wine Show Fundraiser
2008

 “Rachel has played for our members and guests on several occasions and has been a crowd favorite every time. She is a professional talent and to our delight, our members insist that she continues to be invited back to provide music for our club functions.”
 
Jamie Hanham
Food and Beverage Manager
Ashburn Golf Club
2008
 
 

"Rachel's professionalism and flexibility made it an absolute pleasure working with her. Her music was beautiful and helped create a warm atmosphere at our reception and dinner. We look forward to working with Rachel again in the future!"
 

Allison Himmelman 
Associate Director, Alumni Outreach
Dalhousie University
2008

“In the midst of a very busy event, it was greatly appreciated that Rachel was so self-sufficient.  When organizing events, there are so many details which demand attention and Rachel reduces the stress associated with the musical part of the event.”

Denise Schofield
HRM Manager of Development Engineering, Community Development
HRM Employee Recognition Event, November 2007

"Rachel [solo cello] definitely added the touch of ambiance and elegance to the Microcredit Summit Meet & Greet that I was looking for, without the overpowering sounds of a group, or the elevator-feel of piped-in music."
 
Mahoganey Marical
Event Specialists
www.eventspecialists.ca

“Your part in our wedding day was flawless and very elegant and I would recommend your services to other brides I know. Thanks so much!”
 
Jennifer Sheppard, Bride
2007

“Thank you for your performance during our wedding ceremony. Music was one part of the day that we really wanted to be special, and you helped to make our dream come true. We were extremely satisfied with all aspects of your service, and would recommend you to others planning their weddings in a heart beat.  Thank you once again for making our special day extra special!”
 
Tiffany & George Clarke, bride & groom
2006

“We were more than happy with your service at our wedding. It added a special touch to our day. We had positive comments with regards to the music. Thank you very much for being a part of our special day.”

Sarah Wanderer, bride
2006

“Thanks for doing such a wonderful job.  We received a million compliments on the music which I am passing on to you!  The music was very beautiful.”

Marcia Smith, bride
  
 

"Thank you once again Rachel for performing at our wedding. We were both very pleased with the music. My husband Paul commented that between looking at me, and hearing the music he was close to tears. Many guests commented that the music was beautiful, and I found that it added an elegant touch to the wedding. Once again, thank you, and we would certainly recommend you to friends."

Janet Wright, bride


 

“I just wanted to let you know how much we truly appreciated your professionalism and extreme talent. Your beautiful music was a splendid addition to our event, and certainly created an air of elegance and entertainment. Thank you!”  

Gail Keeping, BA
NS Department of Health Promotion and Protection

 
 
“Having Rachel Matthews play at our wedding was one of the easiest decisions I had to make while planning our wedding.  She plays beautifully and she really added a special, memorable touch to our wedding day.  I would definitely recommend her to any bride or anyone who is looking for a professional, reliable, musician for their function.”

Jennifer Randall, bride
 

"Thank you very much for playing music at our wedding.  It really made the day special to have you playing for us.  The music was beautiful! It was truly romantic and magical and really suited the butterfly theme that we had for our reception." 

Mrs. Glenys Little, bride

“Rachel's performance at our wedding ceremony was beautiful.  Her talent added the touch of elegance and grace that we were hoping for.  Rachel was easy to work with and very professional.  We would definitely recommend her services to others.”   

Natalia and Chris Baker, bride & groom

"It was wonderful to have you play at our event. You helped create a warm atmosphere which put the attendees at ease. Very enjoyable and appreciated! Thanks Rachel."  

Lana Williams
Atlantic Human Resources - Generalist
The Co-operators

“Hi Rachel, We'd like to thank you for your beautiful performance at our wedding at Granite Springs Golf Club.  Many people have commented about how much they enjoyed the cellist.  We think you added a really special touch to our ceremony and we would definitely recommend you to any future bride and groom.”

Christine Greenaway & Adrian White, bride & groom
 

“We were so delighted to have you play for us at the party. Everyone really enjoyed it. The party held a lot of meaning to the staff and residents and I have heard nothing but positive feedback. Your music was the perfect touch. It really helped create a relaxed yet classy environment. It really made a difference in the success of the event. I think you did a wonderful job. Thank you once again.”    

Jessica-Rae Linzel
Recreation Programmer
Caritas Residence

"Thank you so much to you and The Cortland Quartet for the wonderful music you played at our wedding.  It added such a beautiful touch to the ceremony, and even made me feel relaxed when walking down the aisle!  Thank you so much!"

 Melissa & Level Chan, bride & groom


"Having The Cortland Quartet play at our wedding was a great decision. Rather than recorded music playing from a speaker; the live music, beautifully played by the professional musicians of the Cortland Quartet, really created the classic and romantic ambiance we desired for our ceremony. Brides and grooms often run into dilemmas with various vendors & service providers, but Rachel was extremely easy to work with, and because of her organizational skills, everything went perfectly as planned.  I've determined (after many compliments from our guests) that a string quartet playing at your ceremony adds more to the atmosphere of a wedding than any amount of flowers and tulle!" 

Colleen Tuttle Ménard & Jacob Ménard, bride & groom

  
  
"I have worked with Rachel Matthews and The Cortland Quartet on a number of occasions, and I am always impressed with not only how beautifully they play, but also their professionalism.  They are always on time, professionally dressed and prepared for the event. As a wedding planner it is especially important for me to know that I can count on them, and I would highly recommend them to anyone looking to add classical music to their wedding or event!"  

Claudia Habib
Owner - Simply Weddings
simply-weddings.com

"Everyone raved about the wonderful performance and the professionalism of The Cortland Quartet. The music was beautiful and added elegance and sophistication to my wedding. Rachel Matthews was a professional from the time of booking, helping me with music selection, assisted me with the procedure, and checked in on me to help remind me of things I may have forgotten during this busy time. My only regret was not booking them for a longer time. 
Thanks for making my day perfect. – Pam”  

Pam Woodman, bride

  
  
"Having had the opportunity to work with Rachel and her previous quartet over the past four years, I never worry when she is on the job. I just heard The Cortland Quartet in July. Their beautiful classical music adds a simple elegance to our events."

Lauren Patterson, Manager of Facility Rentals
Pier 21
www.pier21.ca
2009
 
 
"I was most pleased with the music performed. The beauty of the venue and Nova Scotia in general, coupled with your light classical selections, and if I recall lots of baroque, seemed very fitting to me. I enjoyed myself as did many others. The music was a perfect back drop to a lovely day, both during the ceremony and for the garden reception. Thank you very much indeed for adding immeasurably to our wedding. - Diane Royle"  

Diane Royle, Mother-of-the-groom

"I could not have been more pleased with the music played by The Cortland Quartet. I would highly recommend this group to anyone planning a wedding or similar event. Rachel is wonderful to deal with; she is professional and polite. Rachel ensures all the details of the music will be executed perfectly and does this in a calm, warm and caring way".  

Krista Royle, bride
Oceanstone Inn and Cottages, Indian Harbour, NS

"I have absolutely no complaints with the service that you provided at our wedding. I thought you sounded amazing, and a lot of our guests commented on how great the quartet was. Thanks again for everything. I will definitely recommend you to others."  

Beth McCormack, bride

"The Cortland Quartet was a hit at our reception for the Delta Hotels Atlantic FAM Tour. We received many comments on how the entertainment was a nice touch for the reception.  I hope we can work together on a future event. Thank-you for the wonderful performance."  

April Hannah, Sales Manager
Delta Barrington & Halifax

“I have had the privilege of working with The Cortland Quartet on many occasions.  Along with their amazing sound, they are able to accommodate various types of weddings and events. They have gone above and beyond on many occasions to ensure that each event is a success.  I appreciate Rachel’s ability to recommend or re-arrange music to suit a specific need or style of event.  Having The Cortland Quartet play at your event adds that touch of elegance and sophistication.”    

Mahoganey Marcial
Event Specialists
www.eventspecialists.ca

"The Cortland Quartet added a great note of elegance to our Baccalaureate Service. Their music was excellent, and they were very professional. "   

Father Mroz, Chaplain
Saint Mary’s University

“I couldn't have asked for any more from The Cortland Quartet - the attention to detail, organization and follow up was exemplary!  And of course the music they played was breathtaking! My guests were very impressed with both the presentation and the performance.  Thanks for adding a touch of elegance to our wedding ceremony!"
 
Janice Beare, bride

“We just wanted to thank you for making our day all the more special.  Everyone commented on how beautiful the music was and some people even commented on songs they recognized and enjoyed.  Knowing, and hearing, the two of you were there made nerves a little less of a problem!  I've already had one guest ask for your contact information for their wedding next year and plan on giving glowing recommendations to anyone who asks.  Thanks again, you were extremely easy to deal with and even easier to listen to.  :)
 
Erin and Dave Jones, bride & groom

"The music set the tone for the wedding, creating a very romantic atmosphere that everyone enjoyed and making it a very memorable ceremony for everyone involved."
 
Bride, Elyisha Hanniman, bride & groom

“I was extremely happy with the job that you and the rest of the quartet did, the music was absolutely beautiful, and it really made the whole ceremony classic and elegant, which is exactly what I was after. I had many people comment to me on how gorgeous the music was and that they really enjoyed the ceremony. You played flawlessly and there was no awkward lulls or pauses. 

Thanks again for being such a beautiful part of our special day! 
 
Katherine Woodbury, bride
 
 

 “I was completely satisfied with your service, and received positive comments from guests about the music.  You guys are the perfect combination of talent, flexibility, and non-intrusiveness. Thanks for the great service.

  
Laura Regan, bride

“We were very pleased with the professionalism -- and the music -- of this group! An excellent addition to the ambience of our conference banquet."  

Dr. Ford Doolittle

"I would like to formally thank you and the members of The Cortland Quartet for making our Annual Killam Dinner our most successful yet. I continue to receive comments from guests about how much the quartet adds to the evening by setting the tone and atmosphere. This event would not be the same without you. Once again, my personal thanks for you assistance in making this year’s event a huge success."  

Marsha Scott, Assistant to the Deans
Faculty of Graduate Studies
Dalhousie University

"Thanks so much for the music for our wedding. I have worked in the music biz for 15 years + and Kate & I are so lucky to have musicians of your talent to be a part of our special day!!”  

Troy Ryan, groom
 
 

"Hi Rachel, Just wanted to let you know that we were very happy that you and Melissa played at our wedding. The music was very pleasant and peaceful. It added so much to our special day. Many thanks!”

Elaine and Donnie McColl, bride & groom