Highly Strung

Highly Strung is a violin and guitar duo, specialising in corporate and private events. It comprises Bernadette and Justin McCoy who are founding members of the popular Eighties and Nineties orchestral rock group Hat Trick.

Following on from the huge success of Hat Trick Justin and Bernadette have carved a niche for themselves in the corporate and private sector, performing at weddings, parties, harbour cruises, and private homes, where their vast experience, repertoire and empathy are greatly appreciated.

Highly Strung have a perfectly crafted selection of music to make your corporate event or private function a success. The main criteria are that the music is well known and is performed with enthusiasm and enjoyment.

A highlight of an evening with Highly Strung is their unique ability to move from table to table playing requests for your guests. This encourages a warm relaxed atmosphere in the room while at the same time allowing for conversation and networking at other tables.

Highly Strung generally perform acoustically, or with minimal amplification, which gives them the freedom to position themselves anywhere in the venue, providing ambience, or to mingle with the guests, playing their requests if invited. However, if required in larger venues, or where dancing is preferred, sound reinforcement can be provided at additional cost.

Highly Strung often perform as a trio, with the inclusion of ex Hat Trick violinist Mary O'Mahony. The group can be augmented with extra musicians: eg bass, drums, sax, flute and percussion, for a bigger sound and greater visual impact.

From an intimate cocktail gathering to a full-on dance party, they will, in consultation with you, provide exactly the right combination of music and musicians to guarantee the success of your event.

Highly Energetic Pub Shows!

Rock and Roll Orchestra is the pub band version of Highly Strung. The lineup is two violins and acoustic guitar, with three part vocals.

This is the trio of Bernadette and Mary on violins, and Justin on guitar, which harks back to the glory days of Hat Trick, the successful 80s - 90s pub band, which was famous for good time music and fantastic fiddling.

At a Rock 'n' Roll Orchestra gig you will hear classical music as you've never heard it before......Mozart, Bach, Khachaturian, Bizet and their biggest hits....Eine Kliene Nacht Musik, Jesu Joy, Sabre Dance, Carmen etc. etc.

You will also hear the best Irish and Celtic music, as well as classic covers featuring strings, eg, Viva la Vida, A Day in the Life, Wish You Were Here, Bittersweet Symphony, Eleanor Rigby, Major Tom etc.

As an electric band using acoustic instruments, Rock and Roll Orchestra are able to regulate their volume to suit any environment. This is particularly important at small inner-west pubs where neighbours are close by.

Highly Luxurious Cruises

Highly Strung have entertained guests on some of the most luxurious vessels which cater for corporate and private events on beautiful Sydney Harbour. These include White Haven, Morpheus, Bella Vista, Olympic Storm, Sydneysider, Aussie Legend etc. for companies such as All Occasion Cruises, Prestige Cruises, Elite Cruise Company and Sydneysider Cruises. Clients include Geelong and St Kilda Football Clubs, NSW Real Estate Training College, and many weddings and private parties.

Being mainly acoustic, a unique feature is our ability to play in different entertainment areas of the boats throughout the cruise. This means they can be on deck to greet your guests with music as they board, then move to other areas as the cruise progresses. This format is ideal for smaller more intimate vessels.

On larger vessels, as a duo they can provide background ambience initially and during dinner, building up to a full scale party band later on. The choice is yours.

Highly Intimate Private Home Parties

Highly Strung are currently enjoying performing in private homes, as people of our generation celebrate significant events in their lives, e.g. golden and other anniversaries of their birth, naming ceremonies, intimate dinner parties and soirees.

Able to move seamlessly from ambient classical/background music to up vibe party mode, Highly Strung will ensure the success of the special event in your home.

Highly Romantic Weddings

Give that special touch to your special day with a unique blend of Guitar/Violin and Voice. For your ceremony there is the option of beautiful classical, celtic or popular music and while your guests are enjoying light refreshments the repertoire would encompass jazz, contemporary popular and light classics.

During the reception this sophisticated ambience will set the perfect mood, and these talented performers will even move from table to table, playing requests for your guests.

Whatever your vision, Highly Strung will be able to create an atmosphere that is at once sophisticated and elegant with a hint of fun, after all, you have a lot to celebrate.