Quartet Evolution

Quartet Evolution is a vibrant, elegant and versatile ensemble. It consists of a blend of classically trained and highly experienced musicians crossed-over into the rock/pop/jazz world. Our repertoire ranges from your beloved classics like Pachelbel Canon to your favorite movie, musical themes, to those fun Jazz Standards and even a bit of Queen like Bohemian Rhapsody!

We can customize our music to suit every occasion. Let us add a touch of fun and elegance to your special event!

Begin Scarseth: Begin is a highly sought after Violin teacher in the Greater Seattle area. As a versatile performer, she plays with many ensembles throughout the Pacific Northwest in genres including classical, rock, jazz just to name a few. You can catch her performing regularly as the Concertmaster of the Seattle Rock Orchestra and a member of the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra.

Maria Scherer Wilson: Maria is a seasoned performer, recording artist and an energy/sound healing practitioner. You can hear her cello melodies on many recordings with local and international artists alike (John Zorn, B'shnorkestra, Head and the Heart, Recess Monkey). As a versatile musician, Maria can be heard at clubs playing with local bands, as well as concert halls performing with classical ensembles. Maria practices the healing arts through Reiki and the Crystal Singing Bowls at her West Seattle studio, Earthtone Healing. 

Lin Chen: Lin, a violinist and vocalist, is a freelance musician and Violin coach in the Pacific Northwest area. She is a regular member of the Federal Way Symphony and performs with various classical ensembles large and small throughout the year. You may also bump into her singing Jazz at a bar or performing operatic arias at a recital hall.

Brian Hillyard: Brian has held the position of Principal Violist at the Yakama Symphony for many years and is a seasoned classical musician in the Pacific Northwest. He is also an experienced fiddler and can be heard playing with a number of local country and rock bands.

Quartet Evolution offers an impressively broad repertoire that blends classical elegance with modern pop, rock, film music, jazz, and contemporary favorites, making them especially versatile for weddings, corporate functions, galas, and upscale private events. Their song list ranges from timeless classical works by composers such as Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, Debussy, Beethoven, and Pachelbel to modern arrangements of artists including Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, Adele, Bruno Mars, Queen, The Beatles, Sting, Imagine Dragons, and Beyoncé. They also perform well-known romantic and wedding selections such as “Canon in D,” “A Thousand Years,” “Thinking Out Loud,” “All of Me,” and “Marry You,” giving clients a strong mix of traditional and contemporary options.

In addition to their classical and pop repertoire, the quartet also features music from film scores, television themes, Broadway productions, and jazz standards. Their repertoire includes selections from Star Wars, Game of Thrones, Pirates of the Caribbean, Phantom of the Opera, The Lord of the Rings, La La Land, and Schindler’s List, alongside jazz and vintage favorites like “Moon River,” “Take Five,” “La Vie En Rose,” “At Last,” and “What a Wonderful World.” The group notes that these selections represent only a portion of their available catalog and that they are happy to provide a more extensive repertoire list upon request.

What instruments are in a String Quartet?
A traditional string quartet includes two violins, one viola, and one cello.

Why hire a String Quartet?
Live string music adds elegance, warmth, and sophistication that recorded music simply cannot match. A quartet creates the rich, full sound of a small orchestra while still feeling intimate and refined.

What types of events does Quartet Evolution perform for?
Quartet Evolution performs for weddings, corporate events, private parties, memorial services, dinners, and many other special occasions, both indoors and outdoors in suitable weather.

What kind of music does Quartet Evolution play?
Their repertoire ranges from classical favorites to contemporary pop, movie soundtracks, jazz standards, and modern love songs. They can also help customize music selections for your event.

Where does Quartet Evolution perform?
They perform throughout the Puget Sound region and are available for travel outside the Greater Seattle area when scheduling permits.

How do I book Quartet Evolution?
Simply inquire with your event details to check availability and discuss music options. A deposit is typically required to reserve the date.

What can I expect on the day of the event?
The quartet arrives early to set up and tune, performs in elegant black attire, and is prepared to begin promptly at the scheduled time.

Can Quartet Evolution perform special song requests?
Yes. They welcome special requests whenever possible and may also be able to arrange custom music for string quartet performance.