Vitamin String Quartet, which was created in 1999, is actually made up of a rotating group of talented musicians. 068 spoke to VSQ’s Creative Director, Leo Flynn to find out more about this unique and innovative string ensemble.
O68 VSQ has become an international sensation creating an eclectic mix of classical renditions of music ranging from rock to pop – including artists such as Maroon 5, Ariana Grande and Prince. How do you see your role in introducing classical music to a younger or different audience?
LF If we can open up new worlds for listeners, whether that’s to classical music or video game soundtracks or Lil Nas X—and shine a light on the fact that all music is connected at a fundamental level and there is no end to what’s possible within it—how lucky are we, to get to do that?
O68 VSQ was featured in Netflix’s Bridgerton. How did this collaboration come about and how did it affect your exposure?
LF We’ve been fortunate to land a number of high-profile TV placements over the years—Gossip Girl, Modern Family, Westworld, to name a few—and build a reputation for helping deliver big moments. Bridgerton, however, took things to a whole other level, and the impact was nothing like we’ve ever experienced. We’re still catching our breath.
O68 What are the challenges that come with reimagining a contemporary pop or rock song into a classical piece?
LF When you strip away the vocal and all the production from a pop song, you can be left with something very barebones, even banal. You have to find a way to build back all that substance, with strings. It always becomes, at least in part, a string story. A story about the beauty and depth of emotion a string musician can bring to a melody and the electricity that an ensemble creates playing together. Fortunately, we work with world-class musicians who make this possible!
O68 Can you talk about any upcoming collaborations?
LF Nothing we can speak to explicitly yet, but we have a number of projects in the works, ranging from taking on the biggest names in pop to more niche worlds with super-devoted followings. And we’re excited to explore more brand-level collaborations like we did last year with Calm, who released a VSQ original work exclusively through their popular relaxation & meditation app.
O68 What can listeners expect from your December 15th show at The Ridgefield Playhouse?
LF Concert-goers can expect a dazzling performance, by a cutting-edge string ensemble, that will turn pop music as they know it inside out! •
