Real Vocal String Quartet

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Real Vocal String Quartet
RVSQ in 2015.jpg
RVSQ in 2015
Background information
Origin San Francisco, California, United States
Genres Classical
Vocal Harmony
Jazz
Pop
World Music
Folk
Years active2005-present
Website www.rvsq.com
MembersIrene Sazer
Alisa Rose
Matthias McIntire
Jessica Ivry
Past membersDina Maccabee

Real Vocal String Quartet is a string-instrument and vocal ensemble who compose, arrange, improvise and perform music a wide range of musical genres. The group of classically trained musicians combine world music, jazz, pop, and international folk with traditional chamber music in innovative ways. [1]

History

RVSQ was formed in 2005 by Irene Sazer, previously a founding member of the Turtle Island Quartet. [1] She brought together conservatory-trained professional musicians, including Sazer and Alisa Rose on violin, Matthias McIntire on viola, and Jessica Ivry on cello. Dina Maccabee was the original violist and played for eight years.

In 2010 the group released a self-titled CD on Flower Note Records, [2] leading the Christian Science Monitor to compare them to the Kronos Quartet [3] [4]

In 2011, Real Vocal String Quartet recorded with Feist on her album, Metals, and subsequently performed with her in Canada and the United States, including the Coachella Festival and the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. In 2012, the group was chosen by American Voices and the U.S. Department of State to tour Eastern Europe as cultural ambassadors through the American Music Abroad program. The group performed and collaborated with musicians in each country.

RSVQ's second album, titled Four Little Sisters, was released in October 2012. [5]

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References

  1. 1 2 "A Band of Sisters". Strings Magazine. November 2013.
  2. Real Vocal String Quartet Puts Words to Music / Recordings / Reviews All Things Strings, David Lusterman posted February 2010
  3. "Six Picks: Recommendations". Christian Science Monitor. February 16, 2010.
  4. Real Vocal String Quartet | East Bay Express
  5. Rock Paper Scissors - Real Vocal String Quartet, Four Little Sisters - Album Review