2016 Banff International String Quartet Competition announces three finalists

Posted on September 02, 2016

BANFF, AB, September 3, 2016 – Following four rounds of intense competition, the Castalian String Quartet (UK), the Rolston String Quartet (Canada), and the Tesla Quartet (Russia/South Korea/USA) have been chosen as finalists in the 12th Banff International String Quartet Competition (BISQC) at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in Banff, Alberta, Canada. The competition began on August 29, 2016.

On September 4 at 2 p.m. MT, these three quartets will enter a final round of competition, performing before a full house in Banff Centre’s Eric Harvie Theatre. Each will present a complete Beethoven or Schubert quartet: 

  • Castalian String Quartet – Franz Schubert: String Quartet No. 14, D. 810
  • Rolston String Quartet – Ludwig van Beethoven: String Quartet Op. 59, No. 2
  • Tesla Quartet – Ludwig van Beethoven: String Quartet Op. 131
The concert will be live-streamed at bisqc.ca and cbcmusic.ca/genres/classical, and replayed for 90 days at medici.tv
 
The finalists were chosen by seven competition jury members representing some of the top names in chamber music: Vera Beths (Rondom Kwartet); Denis Brott (Orford String Quartet); Isabel Charisius (Alban Berg Quartet); Yoshiko Nakura (Tokyo String Quartet); Geoff Nuttall (St. Lawrence String Quartet); Peter Salaff (Cleveland Quartet); and, Alasdair Tait (Belcea Quartet).
 
 
In addition to generous cash prizes, the laureate quartets will be awarded artistic creation residencies at Banff Centre. The First Prize Laureate will benefit from a comprehensive custom-designed three-year career development program including a professional recording at Banff Centre and a performance tour in over 50 North American and European cities. New in 2016, all seven quartets not advancing to the finals will receive a career development award of $4,000.00. 
 
 
Founded in 1983 to mark the 50th anniversary of Banff Centre, BISQC gives audiences an in-depth and behind-the-scenes look at the thrill and heartbreak of a live chamber music competition as 10 of the world’s best string quartets vie for over $150,000 in cash and prizes before a remarkably dedicated classical music audience. 
 
For more information about the competition and competitors, visit bisqc.ca

About Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity:  Founded in 1933, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity is a learning organization built upon an extraordinary legacy of excellence in artistic and creative development. What started as a single course in drama has grown to become the global organization leading in arts, culture, and creativity across dozens of disciplines. From our home in the stunning Canadian Rocky Mountains, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity aims to inspire everyone who attends our campus – artists, leaders, and thinkers – to unleash their creative potential and realize their unique contribution to society through cross-disciplinary learning opportunities, world-class performances, and public outreach. www.banffcentre.ca 

About BISQC: Founded in 1983 to mark the 50th anniversary of Banff Centre, BISQC is a triennial competition that brings together a remarkably dedicated classical music audience, and helps support emerging careers. Recognized by the World Federation of International Music Competitions, it is among the top events of its kind. Past winners include the Dover Quartet, the Cecilia String Quartet, the TinAlley String Quartet, the Jupiter Quartet, and more, www.bisqc.ca 

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