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The Routes Quartet (music)
The Routes Quartet play an exquisite blend of folk, classical, jazz and fiddle traditions, featuring evocative arrangements of folk tunes and stunning original compositions.
Comprising the classic string quartet instrumentation of cello (Rufus Huggan), viola (Emma Tomlinson) and two fiddles (David Lombardi and Madeleine Stewart), the group set out to arrange and explore the vast textures, tones and intimate musical qualities that are characteristic of the string quartet, but with a folky, rootsy accent.
Following the success of their debut album Windrose, produced by Patsy Reid and recorded live by Keir Long at St. Columba’s Chapel, Drimnin Estate in 2017, The Routes Quartet came together again during lockdown. Their process begins with individual suggestions, jams and improvisations follow, to achieve their final music. For many composers (in the classical world) writing for String Quartets was an indication of their prowess – four musical and skilled elements totally stripped right back, exposed parts that need to form together completely to be successful, and intimate. This idea, combined with other genres, is the signature of The Routes Quartet, as they create something utterly new in a very organic vision.
Their second album, Arche, pronounced Ar:ki, means elements/origin/beginning. Featuring seven tracks, the album is best listened to in one go, taking listeners on a journey as the artists draw on each other’s diverse talents, encouraging imaginations to run free. This lockdown creation debuted on Friday 3rd February 2023 at Glasgow’s City Halls Recital Room as part of Celtic Connections.
‘A truly cathartic listen…’ Folk Radio UK
‘Scots string quartet with a true folk music understanding’ Songlines
Comprising the classic string quartet instrumentation of cello (Rufus Huggan), viola (Emma Tomlinson) and two fiddles (David Lombardi and Madeleine Stewart), the group set out to arrange and explore the vast textures, tones and intimate musical qualities that are characteristic of the string quartet, but with a folky, rootsy accent.
Following the success of their debut album Windrose, produced by Patsy Reid and recorded live by Keir Long at St. Columba’s Chapel, Drimnin Estate in 2017, The Routes Quartet came together again during lockdown. Their process begins with individual suggestions, jams and improvisations follow, to achieve their final music. For many composers (in the classical world) writing for String Quartets was an indication of their prowess – four musical and skilled elements totally stripped right back, exposed parts that need to form together completely to be successful, and intimate. This idea, combined with other genres, is the signature of The Routes Quartet, as they create something utterly new in a very organic vision.
Their second album, Arche, pronounced Ar:ki, means elements/origin/beginning. Featuring seven tracks, the album is best listened to in one go, taking listeners on a journey as the artists draw on each other’s diverse talents, encouraging imaginations to run free. This lockdown creation debuted on Friday 3rd February 2023 at Glasgow’s City Halls Recital Room as part of Celtic Connections.
‘A truly cathartic listen…’ Folk Radio UK
‘Scots string quartet with a true folk music understanding’ Songlines
£16 General Admission | £14 Concessions | £6 Under 16s
Doors 7pm
Show Start 7.30pm
Doors 7pm
Show Start 7.30pm
Universal Hall
The Park, Findhorn, Moray IV36 3TZ
Thu 3 October