The Routes Quartet

Routes Is A String Quartet With A Difference; Made Up Of Traditional Folk Musicians,
Routes Writes And Performs A Combination Of Contemporary Compositions And Innovative Arrangements Of Traditional Music. The Ensemble Bridges The Gap Between Classical And Folk Music; Exploring The Vast Textures, Tones And Intimate Musical Qualities Which Are Characteristic Of A String Quartet.
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Routes is a contemporary/traditional band formed in Glasgow, Spring 2014 by Emma Tomlinson (Viola), Gráinne Brady (Violin), Tricia Mullan (Violin) and Rufus Merlin-Huggan (Cello). The members became friends through weekly folk music sessions in the Lismore Bar and the Ben Nevis Pub in Glasgow’s West End.

The ensemble got its name (after much discussion!) from the pianist Thomas Gibbs; he suggested the name as all the members have different ‘roots’ and are forming new ‘routes’ with their music. The aim of the group is to combine the intimate and virtuoso qualities of a string quartet with a modern take on traditional folk music. The members have varied backgrounds in Scottish, Irish, English folk and classical traditions.