Black Dog String Quartet

Formed in 2007, the Black Dog String Quartet is composed of some of Vancouver’s finest musicians. The group has appeared on the recordings of artists such as 54-40, Marianas Trench, Bleeding Through, and many others. Individual members have performed live on stage with some of the world’s top acts, including Rod Stewart, Kanye West, Sting, Michael Buble, Mariah Carey, The Eagles, The Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and Video Games Live.

​

The quartet’s excellent playing and reputation have landed them in studios with producers like Garth Richardson (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rage Against the Machine), Joe Chiccarelli (Elton John, Alanis Morissette), Dave Genn (54-40), Devin Townsend (Strapping Young Lad), and the late Olivia Quan (Hey Ocean, City & Colour). Recent performance highlights include opening for Sarah McLachlan at the SPC Global Conference, a concert with acclaimed soprano Measha

Brueggergosman at the Chan Centre, and an appearance at the Shambhala Music Festival.

​

Consistently delivering performances with “conviction and imaginative sensitivity” (Vancouver Classical Music), the Black Dog String Quartet appears regularly at various public and private events, including classical chamber concerts, weddings, and corporate functions, as well as on film and television scores and other studio recordings. They’ve been a featured ensemble at the Quartetti Festival of String Quartets, Sonic Boom Festival of New Music, and Classical Revolution Vancouver, and all four members play regularly with multiple symphony orchestras.

​

Their solid classical background, high skill level, and collective open-mindedness set the Black Dog String Quartet apart as one of Vancouver’s most unique and versatile ensembles. The quartet’s debut album, a collection of original songs for string quartet and voice composed by John Kastelic, was released in late April 2023.