“A classical string quartet that rocks?” Yes! Carpe Diem String Quartet is quickly becoming the premier American “indie” string quartet. The group performs the classical string quartet repertoire, but their musical passion has led them down the paths of gypsy, tango, folk, pop, rock, and jazz inspired music. Upcoming collaborations that showcase Carpe Diem’s outside-the-box programs include concerts with Graeme Boone, banjo; Peter Soave, accordion/ bandoneon; and Willy Porter, guitarist and songwriter. Their inventive school and outreach programs even make use of video game songs, and TV and movie theme music such as “The Simpsons.”

Recent projects include “Montana”, a new work written by quartet member and Montana native Korine Fujiwara, that draws on the composer’s roots in improvisational folk fiddling and never fails to leave audiences wowed.

Carpe Diem’s latest disc was selected for the 2009 Grammy Awards Entry List in no fewer than four categories: Best Classical Album, Best Chamber Music Performance, Best New Artist, and Best Engineered Album-Classical.