Gail Shanta was raised and educated in England, Germany, and France. She began playing piano at the age of four and later studied organ while attending the University of Aix-en-Provence in southern France. Her journey with the harp began while pursuing her doctorate at the University of Colorado. Since then, Gail has performed with the Mount Vernon Orchestra and the Fairfax City Band, and has played for numerous fundraising events, including those hosted by the Alexandria Symphony, the Lyceum, Ronald McDonald House, and other charitable organizations.

Each year, Gail performs at approximately 200 weddings, receptions, and special events, including embassy receptions, Capitol Hill congressional gatherings, holiday parties, upscale hotels and restaurants, trade group events, conventions, and charitable fundraisers. Her instrument of choice is a striking antique gold harp, originally owned by a nun and used in monastery worship. With it, she performs a wide range of music—spanning classical, sacred, and ceremonial pieces to popular songs, swing, and Broadway show tunes—bringing elegance and beauty to every occasion.

Kristen is a graduate of the California Institute of the Arts with a BFA in Harp Performance with a Voice Minor. She has toured nationally with the New Christy Minstrels, and played with such names as Ray Charles, Tony Bennet, Victor Borge and Shirley Jones.

String of Pearls (Trio or Quartet) has over 20 years of experience playing for weddings, parties, and concerts throughout the Washington area. Some of our concert venues include the Woodrow Wilson Plaza Concert Series, the Harmony Hall Afternoon Tea Concert Series, the Friendship Heights Community Center, and several of the retirement communities in the region.

The weddings we have played are far too numerous to count. We pride ourselves on understanding that, for a bride, her wedding is one of the most important days of her life—and we are committed to making it as special as possible.

Our playlists include all of the classical favorites, as well as pop tunes to please guests of all ages, helping to create a warm and memorable musical experience for every event we are part of.