The Emily Carr String Quartet (ECSQ) is one of British Columbia’s premier chamber ensembles. Founded in 2006 by musicians from the Victoria Symphony and Aventa Ensemble, the Victoria- based group is celebrating its 20th season in 2025–2026, marking two decades of performances across Canada, the United States, and Europe.

A defining feature of the ECSQ is its dedication to contemporary Canadian music. The ensemble has commissioned and premiered numerous works inspired by the legacy, writings, and Pacific Northwest landscapes of its namesake, Emily Carr. They have championed pieces by celebrated composers such as Tobin Stokes, Jocelyn Morlock, Jared Miller, Jennifer Butler, and Iman Habibi.

The quartet has earned widespread acclaim for its recordings and live performances. Their 2024 album Portraits (Leaf Music) features major Canadian compositions and mezzo-soprano Marion Newman and also garnered them a nomination at the 2024 Western Canadian Music Awards in the classical artist/ ensemble of the year category, while their debut album, Hidden Treasure, was nominated for Classical Recording of the Year at the Western Canadian Music Awards. They have appeared at prominent festivals and residencies, including ISCM World Music Days, Music on Main, the Ankara Music Festival, Stanford University, and the Banff Centre. Alongside these achievements, the quartet maintains a strong commitment to educational concerts and outreach programs across British Columbia. The members of the quartet are Müge Büyükçelen (violin), Cory Balzer (violin), Mieka Michaux (viola), and Alasdair Money (cello).

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