The West Village Quartet is an African-American string quartet that performs works from the classical repertoire. The group was founded in 1987 by David Burnett-Caines, who is the second violinist and group manager. Their name derives from its frequent performances in the West Village. The quartet has appeared on “Entertainment Tonight”, “20/20,” and PBS's “Children's Express.” It has been featured in articles in the Daily News, the New York Times, and the San Francisco Chronicle, which praised their “vigorous musicality.” The group has performed at events for Philip Morris, the Essence Awards, the NAAC, the Dance Theatre of Harlem, the Ford Foundation, and at Gracie Mansion for mayors Ed Koch and David Dinkins. The quartet's work is supported by celebrities such as Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee, Phylicia Rashad of “The Cosby Show,” Sue Simmons of “Channel 4 News,” and Meshach Taylor of “Designing Women,” among others.