City String Ensemble

City String Ensemble is a multi-genre string ensemble based in London, UK. Originally formed at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, CSE has gone on to grow from a highly sought-after string quartet to a full-scale string orchestra. They can be seen regularly performing multiple programmes of “candlelight concerts” across London, as well as recording and releasing their very own classical twists of popular songs. They released their debut EP, “Twenty Twenty,” in 2020 before following up with their second EP, “Throwback…to the Millennium” in 2021.  Their most recent release in 2022, “Best of Anime,”  is a collection of some of the most famous anime opening songs and was inspired by their sold-out run of anime concerts last year. City String Ensemble’s music can also regularly be heard on Scala Radio. City String Ensemble is passionate about breaking down the wall between classical musicians and “popular” genres of music and write arrangements that are completely true to the original songs. A unique feature of CSE’s music is their ability to acoustically create their own beat in their performances with the violin “chopping” technique. This beat helps to replicate the original songs energy and propels their arrangements to a new level, channelling each songs groove while maintaining the ensemble’s classical roots.