CELLOFOURTE

Cellofourte Biography

 

Cellofourte was founded in 2004 by Carnegie Mellon University Cellist Tate Olsen, with the goal of blending high level classical music training with a modern performance aesthetic and sound.  Tate recruited 3 other cellists, and Cellofourte was born!

 

Over the next 5 years Cellofourte performed, not only in the Pittsburgh area, but nationwide, releasing two indie records, that combined sold over 3,000 copies.  This quartet of talented cellists played in beautifully paneled concert halls as well as in Dive bars, school auditoriums, on street corners, at Battle of the Bands, corporate events, weddings, and even soloed with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (conducted by Marvin Hamlisch).

 

In 2008 Tate was approached by the rock band “Skillet” and was asked to be their touring cellist.  Sensing it was time to broaden his horizons, he accepted the challenge and has been touring the world with Skillet ever since.  Cellofourte’s live performances have taken a backseat to Tate’s role with “Skillet,” however he still records music as Cellofourte, is excited by the artistic freedom it provides, and is thrilled to broaden people’s perceptions of the cello.  He loves to hear “I never knew a cello could do that!