The Routes Quartet

The Routes Quartet is a string quartet with a difference. Made up of traditional folk musicians, The Routes Quartet 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, but with a folksy, rootsy accent. The quartet’s music is an exquisite blend of folk, classical and fiddle traditions, featuring evocative arrangements of folk tunes and stunning original compositions. 

The Routes Quartet is made up of the classic string quartet instrumentation of cello (Rufus Huggan), viola (Emma Tomlinson), and two fiddles (David Lombardi and Madeleine Stewart). Routes were formed out of the thriving Glasgow session scene and released their first album, Windrose in 2017.  That year, Routes played a 24-date, sold-out tour across the UK and Ireland which led to a ‘Folk Band of the Year’ nomination in the BBC ALBA Scottish Traditional Music Awards 2017.  Launching their second album, Arche (2023), to a sold out performance at Celtic Connections was very special to the band as it was where the entire process began.