88 Strings Quartet

"88 Strings is one of the most unique and compelling quartets we’ve presented—engaging, distinctive, and artistically superb." - Howard Jang, ArtSpring

88 Strings is a Canadian quartet that mixes traditional Chinese, Persian and Western plucked instruments, presenting new musical inventions and adventures written or arranged specifically for them. Described by an audience member as "plucked string heaven," their unique sound blends classical and world music together in an enveloping and often hypnotic music. 

The ensemble was formed as an initiative of the Vancouver Inter-cultural Orchestra (VICO) in 2020, who sponsored their first activities, giving concerts and composer workshops. 

88 Strings' first two performances were hosted by VICO as a series of video concerts recorded during the COVID pandemic to the empty Deep Cove Shaw Theatre in December 2020, and July 2021. Their debut concert took place 2024-09-20 at Pyatt Hall in Vancouver.

88 Strings have since performed throughout British Columbia and at the Sound of Dragon Festival in Vancouver.

Tar player and singer, Ali Razmi, comes from the Persian music tradition, where music is primarily conveyed through aural learning, and the structure of melody. He composes his own music and songs, which he has performed with the Sound of Dragon Ensemble, Vashan, and others. He has lived and worked in Vancouver for over 20 years.

Guitarist John Oliver comes from a classical and New Music background, and is a respected composer, arranger, and improvisor, having written several symphonies, and a dozen or more works that combine tar and guzheng with Western instruments. He has written for, and performed with, most Chinese and Intercultural chamber ensembles in Vancouver, as well as the Vancouver Symphony. His compositions have won numerous prizes in Canada and abroad.

Zheng player, Dailin Hsieh, originally from Taiwan, settled in Vancouver a decade ago. Dailin is classically trained, and has developed a unique and engaging improvisation style that she brings to the group compositions. Dailin has performed countless Canadian compositions as a soloist, and member of several Vancouver-based ensembles.

Harpist, Joy Yeh, is classically trained, and has extensive experience as an orchestral and chamber musician and soloist. She has appeared as soloist with the Vancouver Symphony and several regional orchestras, and is a highly respected educator. As a member of the Onyx and Trinanina Trios, she has performed a lot of new Canadian music.

Visit https://88strings.ca for more information.

This recital is generously sponsored by VWMS member Tony Roper.