A group of Los Angeles-based studio musicians, the Vitamin String Quartet have carved out a unique niche for themselves, recording new versions of songs by well-known rock, pop, and country artists, arranged for a small string ensemble. The VSQ have released well over 100 albums (through their own Vitamin Records label), most of which feature the songs of a single artist (and in some cases interpret a single album in full), though the group has also released thematic collections based on a particular mood, style, or genre. The quartet's membership is flexible, but violinist and arranger Tom Tally has been a significant contributor to the group, having produced and arranged over 50 of the VSQ's albums. In 2009, the quartet took a creative step forward with the album Per_Versions, which, along with tunes from a number of alternative pop groups, included several original compositions. The following year, VSQ Performs Lady Gaga made a Top Ten appearance on the Billboard Classical Albums chart, and the ensemble joined Thirty Seconds to Mars for the rock band's 2011 appearance on MTV Unplugged (a live EP of the performance hit the top half of the Billboard 200). Meanwhile, the quartet's recordings continued to be licensed for a variety of television shows, including So You Think You Can Dance, The Vampire Diaries, and Modern Family. ~ Mark Deming