Vitamin String Quartet Brings Classical Covers to Iowa City

The classical quartet performed a lively show featuring songs from 'Bridgerton' and Billie Eilish at the Englert Theatre.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 7:55pm

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The Vitamin String Quartet, known for their classical covers of popular songs featured in shows like 'Bridgerton', recently performed a concert in Iowa City. The group played energetic renditions of hits by artists like Billie Eilish and Fall Out Boy, engaging the audience with their enthusiasm and humor on stage. Cellist Derek Stein shared how discovering the quartet's music inspired him to pursue playing classical arrangements of modern songs.

Why it matters

The Vitamin String Quartet's concert showcased how classical music can be reinterpreted to appeal to a wider audience, blending traditional instrumentation with contemporary pop and rock hits. Their performance demonstrated the versatility of classical musicians and the enduring appeal of classical covers, especially for fans of shows like 'Bridgerton' that prominently feature the quartet's work.

The details

The Vitamin String Quartet opened their show with a cover of Billie Eilish's 'bad guy', setting an energetic tone with flashing lights. They continued with renditions of songs like Fall Out Boy's 'Sugar, We're Goin Down' and Paramore's 'All I Wanted', the latter of which was announced as being featured in the upcoming season of 'Bridgerton'. The musicians engaged the audience with humor, including cellist Derek Stein jokingly saying Eilish's iconic 'duh' line and pointing out the age of the Fall Out Boy song. One highlight was when violinist Rachel Grace played her instrument behind her back. The group also demonstrated the use of foot pedals to control their sheet music on iPads.

  • The Vitamin String Quartet performed at the Englert Theatre in Iowa City on January 30, 2026.
  • Part 1 of Bridgerton's season four was released on January 29, 2026.

The players

Vitamin String Quartet

A classical quartet known for their covers of popular songs, including many featured in the Netflix series 'Bridgerton'.

Derek Stein

The cellist for the Vitamin String Quartet, who shared how discovering the group's music inspired him to pursue playing classical arrangements of modern songs.

Rachel Grace

A violinist for the Vitamin String Quartet, who performed a fun trick by playing her instrument behind her back.

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What they’re saying

“I didn't realize I could do that kind of music on my instrument. When I discovered that, it became something I wanted to at least somewhat pursue with my music making.”

— Derek Stein, Cellist

“It's probably the song that we put the most speed and volume to, so it really feels like a rock song, and it's just a lot of fun to play.”

— Derek Stein, Cellist

“We really put on a show for them, and we banter with each other, and we have jokes that we like to tell. It's not just going to see a quartet play, it's like a real experience.”

— Derek Stein, Cellist

What’s next

The Vitamin String Quartet will continue their 'The Music of Billie Eilish, Bridgerton, and Beyond' tour, with upcoming performances scheduled across the Midwest.

The takeaway

The Vitamin String Quartet's concert demonstrated how classical musicians can breathe new life into popular songs, blending traditional instrumentation with contemporary hits to create an engaging and accessible experience for audiences. Their enthusiasm and humor on stage further highlighted the group's ability to make classical music feel fresh and exciting.