“A classical string quartet that rocks?” Yes! Carpe Diem String Quartet has become the premier American indie string quartet. Carpe Diem continues to rack up accolades and awards. This past year, Carpe Diem was the only quartet in America chosen to receive a prestigious PNC ArtsAlive Award. Carpe Diem was featured this season in Strings Magazine:

In the past six years, it’s emerged as a quartet known for innovative programming, unique collaborations, and blurring the lines between genres.

The quartet continues to garner favorable reviews. From recent concerts, critics wrote:

“This is an accomplished ensemble with a distinctive sound and personality.” —James Chute, San Diego Union Tribune

“One would have to search long and hard to find a more charming and enjoyable chamber music concert than what we experienced with the Carpe Diem String Quartet presented by the Artist Series of Sarasota. A number of elements contributed to this end result, not the least of which the superb musicianship of the four musicians—Carpe Diem is a seriously talented quartet in the most traditional definition.” —Gayle Williams, Herald-Tribune

In 2010 Carpe Diem released several new CDs, including Montana, by composer (and quartet member) Korine Fujiwara. Edith Eisler of String Magazine wrote:

“The Carpe Diem String Quartet... must be one of the most adventurous groups of its kind. Evidently feeling that attention to living composers begins at home, the players have devoted this entire record to works of its own violist, and with performances of idiomatic empathy and infectious enthusiasm prove that she fully deserves their championship.”

Ongoing collaborations which showcase Carpe Diem’s outside-the-box programming include concerts with Graeme Boone, banjo; Latin Grammy winner Raul Juarena, bandoneon; and Willy Porter, guitarist and songwriter. Their innovative school and outreach programs even make use of video game songs, and TV and movie theme music such as The Simpsons. Carpe Diem is one of the only ensembles that regularly perform music written and/or arranged by members of the quartet. From Pink Floyd to Beethoven, CDSQ is pushing the boundaries of string quartet literature.