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 Oliver’s arrangement of a work by Chinese composer Wei-Guang Liu, to new inter-cultural music by Samandari and 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 at the Annex Theatre in Vancouver as part of VICO's Global Soundscapes Festival, as well as their first full program at their true Debut Concert on September 20, 2024 at Pyatt Hall in Vancouver.