Praised as “dazzling” (The New York Times), “expert and versatile” (The New Yorker), and “a fearless and inquisitive violinist” (San Francisco Classical Voice), Owen Dalby leads a multifaceted musical life as a soloist, chamber musician, new and early music specialist, orchestral leader, and educator. He is Artist-in-Residence at Stanford University and lives in San Francisco.

From 2015 until the ensemble’s retirement in 2024, Owen was a member of the St Lawrence String Quartet (SLSQ), touring all the major chamber music series throughout North America and Europe. During this period he appeared as soloist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, and NHK Philharmonic (Tokyo) among others. Acclaimed recordings include Haydn’s Op. 20 and Op. 76 string quartets and Korngold’s Piano Quintet Op. 15 with Stephen Prutsman. SLSQ was a particularly beloved ensemble in the world of contemporary string quartets, performing many dozens of concerts each season, nurturing communities of chamber music enthusiasts around the world, and inspiring multiple generations of young artists.

Previously based in New York City, Owen co-founded Decoda, Carnegie Hall’s affiliate ensemble, and served as concertmaster of Novus NY, Trinity Wall Street’s contemporary music orchestra. He was also a core member of the Trinity Baroque Orchestra, performing the complete Bach cantatas and passions. Owen is a former fellow of Ensemble Connect (Carnegie Hall/Juilliard) and has taught widely at leading conservatories and universities internationally. With his wife, violist Meena Bhasin, he is Co-Artistic and Executive Director of Noe Music, an acclaimed concert series in San Francisco. He performs on the 2015 Samuel Zygmuntowicz violin that belonged to his friend and colleague, the late Geoff Nuttall.