Strings – Joel Stobbe

Born and raised in Prince George, BC, Joel Stobbe was active in the local music scene with music festivals and orchestras. Since then, he has received his Artistic Diploma of Music Performance from the Augsburg Conservatory of Music in Germany, regularly performing as soloist and with chamber groups in Germany, France and Italy. Upon his return to Canada, Joel was a founding member of the Borealis String Quartet (2000-2005). He toured with the quartet, giving performances throughout Canada and the United States, with frequent broadcasts on radio and television. In addition to regular quartet activities, Joel enjoyed giving educational concerts and masterclasses together with the quartet to young people from Dawson City to New York City.

Joel was the Principal Cellist of the Vancouver Island Symphony from 2006-2014, and artistic director of its Noteworthy Kids program from 2012-2014. During this time he continued to be active as both a soloist and chamber musician in regular recitals and concerts. Joel is currently a cello teacher at the Langley Community Music School where he holds a substantial class of private cello students and serves as coordinator for LCMS’s advanced progams. In 2014, Joel expanded his career to conduct the Surrey Youth Orchestra and to serve as its Artistic Director. In addition to his busy teaching, administrative and conducting schedule, Joel enjoys regular adjudicating, teaching masterclasses and summer chamber music programs. He lives in Langley, BC, with his wife and 7 year old son, to whom he hopes to pass down his life-long hobby of classic automotive restoration.