Quartet X is a new, fearless, all-female ensemble, bringing together four of Australia’s most virtuosic and versatile musicians:
Courtenay Cleary (violin), Claire Edwardes (percussion), Emily Granger (harp), and Karin Schaupp (guitar). With a striking and unusual line-up, the quartet blurs the boundaries between classical precision, contemporary innovation, and genre-bending artistry. Their program reimagines beloved 20th century classical masterpieces alongside fresh arrangements of popular songs and new commissions, creating a musical experience that is as much a guilty pleasure as it is transcendental. Driven by a spirit of collaboration and bold curiosity, Quartet X celebrates the mastery of four trailblazing Australian artists across generations, redefining what a modern chamber group can be. Quartet X will launch with a national tour in 2027.

2027 Tour to Include

All works arranged or written for Quartet X

Michael Nyman The Heart Asks Pleasure First (from the Piano) arr. Richard Charlton • Meredith Monk, Ellis Island arr. Matt Moisey • Adeola Samuel (Seal) & Henry Olusegun, Kiss from a Rose arr. Richard Charlton • Caroline Shaw, Valencia arr. Ben Murphy • Ray Lin, The Feeling of Home • Caroline Shaw, Valencia arr. Ben Murphy • Robert Davidson, Wandering* • Leslie Feist & Sally Seltman (Feist), 1234 arr. Richard Charlton • Ariana Grande, pov arr. Samuel Andrews • Joanna Newsom, Divers arr. Richard Charlton • Holly Harrison, X Factor* • Agnes Obel, The Curse arr. Richard Charlton • Billie Eilish & Finneas O'Connell, Birds of a Feather arr. Joe Fallon • Toni Watson (Tones and I), Dance Monkey arr. Richard Charlton.