Everything went well! Steve (cellist) and Ellie (harpist) were professional, clearly experienced musicians and their music was magical. Highly recommend! read more

Not only are they some of the best musicians in the country, they have amazing versatility to suit any situation or musical preference. Steve Velez is a dream to work with! read more

Steve played cello at our beach wedding, which was an absolute dream! The music was beautiful and created a wonderful ambience for the day. Steve is a phenomenal musician and we highly recommend! read more

The best! Great people and music.

We hired Steve Velez and the Da Capo Players for my daughters wedding a few years ago and was so very impressed with his professionalism as well as the music that was created for the ceremony. They set up early for the ceremony and then also played during our cocktail hour and I must say, it was absolutely flawless. My other daughter is getting married in September and we have already hired the Da Capo Players to play at her wedding. I wouldn't have considered anyone else! He is simply the best! read more

I'm a musician from New York who came out to California to perform with the Da Capo players. I had the pleasure of meeting Steve Velez, the music director, by playing with him in Vienna. Da Capo players perform with so much attention to detail. Every note sings, regardless of whether they are playing traditional classical, gypsy, pop or tango. It's such a treat to play with musicians of this caliber. read more

I can make this review really short: the Da Capo players are world-class studio musicians. They put every bit as much care and passion into performing for weddings and other special events as they do while recording the latest Hollywood blockbuster scores. Full disclosure: I've been friends with the flutist in this ensemble for many years--so it makes sense that I'd call Da Capo for my wedding. Which is lucky for me: there are already too many tough decisions that go into wedding planning. This one was beyond obvious. For my wife and me (we're both professional composers), they were perfect. That's not a word you'll see much in my other Yelp reviews, but here it couldn't be more apt. I'd give 'em twenty stars if I could. They really are "as good as it gets." read more

Earlier this summer b.e.a.t.s. movement had the very good fortune of being graced by the talents of Steve Velez & his cello as the featured musician during a "live b.e.a.t.s." session (yoga, meditation, sound bath, writing, dialogue and kirtan) For nearly two hours, Steve's presence and style was the guiding force in a night of musical creativity and improvisation along with guitars, flute, didgeridoo, healing bowls, hand pan and percussion. It was a musical journey, the entire room entranced. Simply put, Steve is a serious talent and the cello work was masterful... Steve is professional, friendly and kind, while also contributing to our evening with his words of wisdom as well as the songs of his strings. Here is a sample of what some of the event's participants had to say afterwards: "I'm still feeling the goodness from last night! I was so blown away by the music and entire experience. Thank you for this amazing night!" "the cello carved into my soul..." "Thank you to you and all the other musicians and attendees! The music was amazing to the point of creating tears from the beauty. I cannot believe that everyone had not played together before! Such a wonderful collection of different instruments and such synergy together." "Wow... Steve is amazing. That was amazing. I didn't know playing live music could be like that - in all my years of playing, tonight was transcendant" - one of the night's other musicians ~~~~ Such an incredible and memorable night - thanks again, Steve! & all the best to you and the De Capo Players...! peace, love & b.e.a.t.s.! beatsmovement.com facebook.com/beatsmovement read more

You can't go wrong with the Da Capo Players. Top notch musicians that will be sure to please in any setting. Incredibly professional.

Steve is an excellent cellist and a lovely person, too. His technique, artistry, passion and humility make him such a pleasure to listen to. I particularly enjoy Steve's ability to seamlessly flow from one mood and song to the next, as well as his wonderful improvisational skills. A true professional--definitely recommended. read more

I first saw Steve Velez on an episode of California Gold with Huell Howser. So I googled him and ended up watching lots of his performances on youtube, some with and some without his group - Da Capo Players. I had no idea that he was the cellist in many movies and at celebrity events. I knew I wanted them to perform at my father's funeral service when he passed away. I wanted to make the Service special for a very special person. But wasn't sure it that was too small of a job for Da Capo Players. I contacted Steve and I lucked out that Da Capo Players were able to perform at the Service. He knew how stressed I was and had perfect suggestions for music, timing, etc. A weight off my shoulders. On the day of the Service, they arrived early to set up. He really helped us to relax. Everyone had chills when they started playing. Hiring Da Capo Players was the best decision! I would have paid twice the fee for such an amazing experience. I look forward to bringing them back for a happier occasion. I hesitated to write a review because I don't want them to be booked up when I need them next time, but I also want to share my experience. I have hired musicians before and I've learned that there is a HUGE difference between average and the best. Highly recommended! read more

The Da Capo Players under the leadership of Steve Velez are simply the very best. You will be sure to find the musical bar they set at the highest possible level and Steve is one of the most professional and dependable people in the music world. read more

Da Capo Players are incredible. They are consummate professionals. They show up on time, communicate well, perform impeccably. I use one of their recordings as the theme music to my podcast: WeddingCeremonyPodcast.com. As a non denominational wedding officiant, the music players are incredibly important. Da Capo Players always make my job much easier and provide the best music. Whenever I arrive for a ceremony and see their smiling faces I know everything will be great. read more

Steve Velez & DaCapo Players played at our 25th Wedding Anniversary & Vow renewal, they were Amazing! They played a lovely list of classical music and even accommodated my husbands request to try to play a medley of LaLaLand when they did not know the music. Steve arranged the music for the quartet and it was AMAZING!! Young and old guests all complimented the music!! Steve was friendly, very professional and very accommodating (even allowing our daughter to sing a song during the ceremony with them to serenade us)!! The music made the day extra special, highly recommend Steve & DaCapo Players!!! read more

Such wonderful musicians! Steve and his fellow musicians are the best. I had requested, in my opinion, somewhat unique music for my pre-ceremony and recessional, and it was absolutely no problem for them. In fact, I think they were already very familiar with the music. Unfortunately, I didn't get to hear too much of them playing since I was in the bridal suite, but the recessional was perfect. I had requested some theme songs from different movies and it sounded exactly like the soundtrack (which is amazing bc it was just a trio and not a whole symphony). I was very pleased with Da Capo Players and cannot wait to watch the wedding video footage JUST so that I can hear them play again. read more

We booked a string quartet from the Da Capo Players for our wedding. Steve Velez arranged Rachmaninoff's Bogoroditse Devo specially for the bridal procession and it was magical. Each quartet member was very talented with Steve Velez anchoring the group. Not only were they outstanding musicians, but they were also very responsive and easy to work with. I would strongly encourage anyone looking to book ceremony musicians to use the Da Capo Players, especially if you have a fondness for the cello. Steve Velez is without doubt one of the best cellists in the SoCal area! read more

Da Capo Players, and Steve Velez specifically, consistently produce heartening, truly beautiful music. The cello evokes emotions, captivates audiences and enhances any event. Dependable, professional and well worth the investment in hearing the art of music at a party, wedding or funeral. Steve is not only an outstanding musician and teacher, but he makes the process of choosing scores for any event easy and he is a pleasure to have play. read more

Steve and his team Da Capo Players are quite honestly the finest group of talented musicians around. I was referred to the Da Capo Players through a family friend and moved forward with them, which in hindsight was the smartest move I made outside of choosing my bride of course! I had the pleasure of meeting Steve from the group and he is not only one of the most professional musicians I've come to know, but the friendliest. His primary goal was to make sure our day was unforgettable, and no doubt it was. The group arrived early at the ceremony and played beautifully. We had the group also play during cocktail hour at the reception and from what literally all the guests said, it was magical. If I were to choose a word to describe the ease of working with them, it would be "effortless"; for quality and value, "speechless". As a side note, their inventory of available music is limitless but there was one Bach piece we wanted played during the bridal entrance. Steve had me send him a sample and he was able to get the sheet music just a few days prior. With just a couple days practice, this team played the piece flawlessly, I was shocked. While the bride and I made our rounds at the reception, we were asked by every couple who the quintet was. If you are looking for an amazing group of talented musicians to play at your wedding or any event, I promise you the Da Capo Players should be your only choice. They are without a doubt absolutely incredible! read more