88 Strings
88 弦
سيم 88
…plucked string heaven…
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 our group. Described by an audience member as "plucked string heaven," our unique sound blends classical and world music together in an enveloping and often hypnotic music.
88 strings presents a program of classical music from the cultures of Spain, China, Persia, France, and Canada.
From lyrical classics by Granados and Satie, to new inter-cultural music commissioned by the ensemble from Canadian composers, to new music by ensemble members Oliver and Razmi, you are in for a treat.
The ensemble was formed as an initiative of the Vancouver Inter-cultural Orchestra (VICO) in 2020, who sponsored our first activities, giving concerts and composer workshops.
Our 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.
88 Strings gave their first public performances in front of a live audience on June 9, 2022 in Vancouver as part of VICO's Global Soundscapes Festival.
Their Debut Concert took place on September 20, 2024 at Pyatt Hall in Vancouver.
Our Next Concert
Check back for our upcoming concerts at Music Colleges in metro Vancouver starting January 2027!
Be part of 88 Strings Commissioning Collective
We focus on and celebrate the creation of new music by Canadian and international composers. We commission new music from composers on an ongoing basis, and always need matching funds to pay them.
Please consider making a donation to help us perform exciting new music for you! Any amount will help. Your donation will be acknowledged according to your wishes (web site, concert program, etc.)
Please send your donation via etransfer or Paypal to info at 88strings dot ca. We are not a registered charity and so we cannot provide tax-deductible receipts.
88 Strings is available to perform programs of music of between 30 to 100 minutes duration. We are particularly interested to perform at intercultural events.
We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts.
