Events › Staircase Sounds: 88 Strings

Staircase Sounds continues with the inter-cultural sound of 88 Strings! Featuring remarkable local musicians from many different musical cultures, all coming together to create a sound reflecting Vancouver’s unique musical and cultural diversity.

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 their ensemble. The ensemble was formed as an initiative of the Vancouver Inter-cultural Orchestra in 2020, who sponsored their first public concerts, recorded directly to video during the COVID pandemic. 

Described by an audience member as "plucked string heaven," the unique sound of 88 Strings blends classical and world music together in an enveloping and often hypnotic music.

88 Strings features:
Chinese-Canadian musician Joy Yeh on harp.
Chinese-Canadian musician Dailin Hsieh on guzheng.
Iranian-Canadian musician and composer Ali Razmi on tar and setar, and traditional vocals.
Canadian musician and composer John Oliver on guitar.

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This program is generously supported by VPL Foundation donors. 

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Accessibility: VPL is committed to making our programs accessible for all. If you have an access need that we have not addressed here, please email us at programs@vpl.ca.

• Level 8 is accessible via the main elevators.
• The Grand Staircase is an open indoor area, that may be busy during the performance.
• Participants are welcome to move, take breaks, or leave the space as needed.
• There will be many seating options available: small hard chairs, big soft chairs, stools, and benches.
• We will reserve a section of chairs for people with mobility needs. There will also be spaces for wheelchairs and mobility devices.

For more information on physical access, view the Accessibility information on the Central Library page.