The Tosca String Quartet—Leigh Mahoney (violin), Tracy Seeger (violin), Ames Asbell (viola), and Sara Nelson (cello)—emerged from Austin's vibrant music scene as core members of the Tosca Tango Orchestra, a seven-piece ensemble performing innovative tango nuevo compositions and arrangements. Since their formation in 1996, the quartet has become essential to Austin's contemporary classical and experimental music landscape, collaborating extensively with local composers and performing in unconventional venues including clubs and alternative performance spaces.
Beyond their classical work, the quartet's versatility has made them sought-after session and touring musicians across multiple genres. They've recorded and performed with diverse artists including David Byrne (touring 2001-2005 and appearing on *Grown Backwards*), Spoon, DeVotchKa, and Vampire Weekend, bringing sophisticated string arrangements to indie rock and experimental pop contexts. The group also contributes to film scoring and remains active in Austin's contemporary chamber music scene as founding members of the American Repertory Ensemble, a collective focused on contemporary chamber music and dance collaborations.