low strung

Biography

Low Strung is a pioneering cello ensemble founded in 2006 by Yale University orchestra alumni, including co-founder Dan Lewis. Conceived as a way to bring the cello into new musical territory, the group set out to break down the traditional boundaries between classical and popular music. Their unique approach involves arranging and performing iconic rock and pop songs—ranging from Queen and The Beatles to Lady Gaga and Beyoncé—exclusively for twelve cellos, transforming the instrument into a vehicle for high-energy, genre-crossing performances.

From its inception, Low Strung has grown into a celebrated ensemble, performing at prestigious venues such as the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland and Las Vegas’s Aria Resort and Casino, as well as touring internationally in Thailand, Singapore, Costa Rica, and China. The group is known for its technical virtuosity, dynamic showmanship, and its mission to inspire new generations of musicians to see the cello in a new light. Their performances and educational outreach have helped bridge the gap between classical tradition and contemporary popular culture, earning them acclaim from audiences and critics alike.

Low Strung’s legacy is rooted in its innovative spirit and commitment to musical excellence. By reimagining the cello as a rock instrument, the ensemble has not only expanded the instrument’s repertoire but also inspired countless young musicians to explore new possibilities. Their enduring presence at Yale and on international stages continues to influence the next generation of cellists and music lovers.

Fun Facts

• Low Strung exclusively arranges all of its repertoire for twelve cellos, creating a distinctive and powerful sound.
• The group was founded by 'orchestra dropouts' at Yale who wanted to explore the cello’s potential beyond classical music.
• Low Strung has performed at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, one of the world's most prestigious music festivals.
• Co-founder Dan Lewis survived a catastrophic accident in 2007 and continues to inspire the group’s legacy through the Dan Lewis Foundation.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Yale University School of Music Faculty - Provided classical training and mentorship to founding and current members. (General ensemble training and repertoire development) [2006–present]

Key Collaborators

• Dan Lewis - Co-founder and original cellist; helped establish the group's vision and repertoire. (Founding of Low Strung, early arrangements and performances) [2006–2009]
• Current and Past Yale Cellists - All members are Yale students or alumni who collaborate on arrangements and performances. (Live concerts, tours, recordings) [2006–present]

Artists Influenced

• Yale student musicians - Inspired students to view the cello as a versatile instrument for both classical and popular music. (Subsequent student ensembles and arrangements) [2006–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Don't Stop Believin' (Low Strung)
2. Fix You (Low Strung)
3. Dream On (Low Strung)
4. Livin' On a Prayer (Low Strung)
5. Back to Black (Quadruple Moon)
6. Sympathy for the Devil (Low Strung)
7. Hotel California (Low Strung)
8. House of the Rising Sun (Low Strung)
9. Your Love (Quadruple Moon)
10. Under the Boardwalk (Quadruple Moon)

External Links

• Spotify