Live piano can give a dinner, reception or ceremony its own character without taking attention away from your guests. Irina Grebaus is a concert pianist and composer with classical and jazz training, based in Zurich and performing across Switzerland. This article brings together and updates the German and English versions first published on her previous website in May 2019.
Music for dinner, apéro and company events
Discreet piano music can accompany a welcome, an aperitif or selected parts of dinner. For customer events, employee celebrations, birthdays and anniversaries, the programme is chosen around the room, the running order and the atmosphere you want to create. A short concert moment is another option when guests can give the music their full attention.
A repertoire that follows the atmosphere
Irina moves between classical music, jazz standards, familiar evergreens, film themes and contemporary songs. Smooth transitions and a carefully judged sound level help the music sit naturally alongside conversation. Favourite pieces can be discussed in advance, including any arrangement or preparation they require.
Her performance experience includes Restaurant George in Zurich, the piano bar at Park Hotel Winterthur and Hotel Golf Panorama. The References page presents further venues and collaborations.
Solo piano, organ or SwissDuo
For a wedding ceremony, piano or organ can accompany the entrance, signing and exit. The musical cues and use of the venue’s instrument are agreed with the people leading the ceremony.
SwissDuo brings together Irina Grebaus and cellist Sandi Toka Nova, formerly performing as PIANOCELLO. Choose piano and cello or cello and organ according to your occasion and venue. Familiar melodies such as A Thousand Years illustrate how a contemporary song can become an instrumental wedding moment. Other formations can be discussed separately.
Planning the instrument and your enquiry
If there is no suitable piano on site, an electric piano can be arranged; an E-Grand Piano in grand-piano style is available for an additional charge. Space, power, access and any amplification are agreed beforehand. Please include the date, venue, guest numbers and musical wishes in your enquiry.
Questions & answers
Can guests talk during the performance?
Yes. Repertoire, sound level and musical sets can be planned around conversation, speeches and the flow of dinner.
Can we book piano and cello or cello and organ?
Yes. SwissDuo with Irina Grebaus and Sandi Toka Nova offers both formations, subject to the programme and instruments available at your venue.
