Quartet Rouge

Four girls tearing into their instruments: Quartet Rouge is an alternative string quartet creating percussive and edgy new grooves. These pro string players have turned their talents to the world of rock and pop to create original arrangements of their favorite tunes. Their set list is like hitting shuffle on your iPod: Radiohead, Black Eyed Peas, Alison Krauss, Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse etc. Morphing their 18th Century instruments into drums, bass, guitar and voice, Quartet Rouge is refreshingly hip.

Quartet Rouge performed in the Berkeley Repertory Theater's production of Green Day's " American Idiot" which is currently on Broadway. They are also featured on the CD soundtrack for the show and performed with Green Day at the 2010 Grammy's award ceremony in Los Angeles.

What circumstances led you to start Quartet Rouge?
We were playing a classical gig together and discovered a mutual love of rock music. We thought it would be fun to play the music we listen to, and that's when we started arranging.

What is an example of your typical repertoire?
We've created original remixes of artists and tunes we love: from Radiohead to the Rolling Stones, Jackson 5 to the Black Eyed Peas. So far there has been no rhyme or reason to the songs we've chosen to deconstruct. A song captures our imagination and we go with it!

What sets you apart from your musical peers?
Our unique sound and rock approach!
We are not afraid to hit, bang, scrape and chop our instruments in fresh new ways. We enjoy adding other instruments like baritone violin, cajun and mandolin. We'll do whatever it takes to create an interesting, tight groove. This no holds barred attitude plus virtuosic playing sets Quartet Rouge apart.

Where have you performed in the Bay Area?
Yoshi's, Festival del Sol, Freight and Salvage, Hotel Utah, The Makeout Room, Kaiser Rooftop Garden Concert Series, Oakland City Center Concert Series, plus numerous bars and cafes throughout the city.

Who have you performed or collaborated with?
Green Day, Josh Groban at the Bridge School Benefit Concert, Tommy Lee, Peter Cetera, Diana Krall, Smokey Robinson Mary J Blige, Il Divo and Jay-Z.
We’ve also worked with some local bands writing, performing and recording their string parts.