Draft:Philadelphia String Quartet (Band)

Philadelphia String Quartet (PSQ) is a musical ensemble established in 2009 by Mugurel Radu, a celebrated violinist and violist. Comprising over 20 musicians, the quartet has gained prominence in the contemporary classical music scene for its diverse repertoire and innovative arrangements.

Led by their lead violinist, the award-winning Nastasja Vojinović and Radu, the PSQ is known for its versatility, incorporating a wide range of instruments and genres into its performances. Notably, the quartet specializes in arranging popular songs for strings, offering unique acoustic interpretations of well-known tunes.

Although initially founded as a strictly classical quartet, over the years PSQ has been influenced and inspired by the growing trend of blending classical and pop music. Other quartets that fall in this niche include Vitamin String Quartet and Dallas String Quartet.

Philadelphia String Quartet's repertoire spans from traditional classical music pieces to the latest pop hits arranged for string quartet. Some of their most well-known string arrangements include Bruno Mars’ "Finesse" and Dua Lipa’s "New Rules". In 2018 the largest entertainment agency in the country East Coast Entertainment signed Philadelphia String Quartet on an exclusive contract. ECE described PSQ’s style as 'fresh and innovative'.

Philadelphia String Quartet frequently performs at major events in the City of Philadelphia.

History
Since its inception in 2008, the Philadelphia String Quartet (PSQ) has flourished under the leadership of Mugurel Radu, a highly skilled violinist and violist with extensive experience performing with prestigious orchestras worldwide. Radu's musical journey began with classical training, leading him to excel as a member of renowned ensembles such as the Sao Paolo State Orchestra, Louisiana Sinfonietta , National Radio Orchestra of Romania, and the George Enescu Philharmonic. His exceptional talent has been showcased not only through his orchestral performances but also as a soloist, recording artist for Naxos Records, and contributor to the soundtrack of the Nascar film "The Ride of Their Lives."

Over the past 15 years, under Radu's guidance, PSQ has experienced significant growth and success. The ensemble has expanded to include over 30 musicians and has cultivated collaborations with more than 50 event organizers and clients. With performances at diverse venues throughout the Philadelphia region and across the globe, PSQ has established itself as a versatile and sought-after musical entity. Radu's dedication to the quartet's development has led to the recording of three albums and five singles, further solidifying PSQ's presence in the contemporary music scene.

Mihaela Radu, co-founder of PSQ and an accomplished violist, has played a pivotal role in shaping the quartet's trajectory. With her rich musical background, including education from prestigious institutions in Romania and performance experience with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Mihaela brings a wealth of expertise to PSQ's operations. Her commitment to fostering a cohesive ensemble dynamic has been instrumental in PSQ's continued success.

Additionally, the quartet benefits from the exceptional talent of Nastasja Vojinovic, the lead violinist since 2017. With a string of accolades from national and international competitions and extensive performance experience, Vojinovic's contributions have elevated PSQ's artistic caliber. Her leadership role within the quartet extends beyond performances, as she actively engages in program development, music arrangements and transcriptions, outreach initiatives, and mentorship of fellow musicians.

Basement Sessions
In 2023, Philadelphia String Quartet released an album, aptly titled "Basement Session", entirely recorded in Mugu Radu's basement. The album included covers of recent pop hits, such as "Oh My God" by Adele, "Bones" by Imagine Dragons, and "Flowers" by Miley Cyrus, among others. A&R Factory described "Oh My God" as a "baroque folk fantasyscape, which wouldn’t be out of place in the prelude in a progressive folk metal track, in the OST of lore lore-filled series akin to The Witcher, or any other setting that calls for the romanticism of chamber strings pulling together in complete coalescent quintessence." Berlin On Air described it as "ingenious string arrangement that preserves the character and mood of the original, but at the same time embodies wonderful elements of classical music. Simply beautiful!"

Albums

 * Evolution (2009)
 * Let It Sing (2012)
 * PSQ Wedding Classics (2017)
 * Basement Sessions (2023)

Singles

 * The Prayer (2017)
 * Finesse (2018)
 * Sucker (2020)
 * New Rules (2020)
 * Lighthearted (2020)
 * Finesse (2020)
 * Oh My God (2023)
 * Flowers (2023)