Well-Strung: The band sings and strings

How to go

What: Well-Strung

Where: Clark State Performing Arts Center, Kuss Auditorium, 300 S. Fountain Ave., Springfield

When: 8 p.m. next Saturday, Nov. 22

Admission: $45, 40, 35, 25; $10 off student tickets

More info: 937-328-3874 or go to www.springfieldartscouncil.org/well-strung

Have a taste of popsical.

This fuse of pop and classical music mixing stringed instruments and vocals is the specialty of Well-Strung, a fast-rising quartet, that has been compared to a stringed version of boy band One Direction.

Well-Strung will perform at 8 p.m. next Saturday, Nov. 22, at the Clark State Performing Arts Center. The show is presented by the Springfield Arts Council as part of its Broadway and Beyond series.

Band members Edmund Bagnell (first violin), Chris Marchant (second violin), Daniel Shevlin (cello) and Trevor Wadleigh (viola) have musical theater experience as well as instrumental talent.

It was during off moments in the summer of 2010 that Marchant would play his violin on street corners for extra money. He met Mark Cortale, the band’s producer, and they tossed around ideas for a new type of band.

Mashing up pop and classical music was the stand-out idea, and Well-Strung was born.

The challenge is singing and playing a different melody, Marchant said.

“When we learn a new song it takes a while. It takes your mind and body a long time to digest. It’s like rubbing your stomach and patting your head at the same time.”

Once they have it down, the result is something like bringing together Mozart and the Black Eyed Peas, which is Well-Strung’s opening number in concert.

Marchant said the response has been enthusiastic. “Some people like classical, and some like pop, and this is a nice way to get people into both. We have a lot of people say afterward they didn’t know they liked the other.”

Most of the pop music comes from current Top 40 artists such as Lady Gaga and Adele, but occasionally a Disney or Broadway tune is mixed in.

“I like it because it’s so versatile,” Marchant said. “We can incorporate a new pop hit in any time. That way we never get bored.”

Marchant said he actually enjoys the boy band association, admitting he aspired to be in one in his school days.

The group’s members are from places scattered across the United States, and Marchant was born and raised in Akron, Ohio. Well-Strung hasn’t played the Buckeye State previously, so the Springfield show will be Marchant’s homecoming of sorts.

He admits to being a little nervous, but more excited about the support of numerous family members who will attend this show. Several others will take in the following night’s performance in Elyria, about 30 miles southwest of Cleveland.

“I’m grateful to Ohio for my family and friends and to be in a band with so many talented people. There’s something for everybody to love with our music. You’ll get an appreciation for both pop and classical.”