Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity announces annual Banff Centre International String Quartet Festival

Banff Centre International String Quartet Festival
September 1 – 3, 2017
Festival Packages and Passports on sale Wednesday, April 19 at 12 noon
Individual tickets on sale Wednesday, May 3 at 12 noon
Banff Centre Box Office: 403.762.6301 or 1.800.413.8368

BANFF, AB, April 19, 2017 – The spirit of the Banff International String Quartet Competition returns to Banff this summer with the inaugural Banff Centre International String Quartet Festival – a three-day festival designed to showcase the finest in international classical music to audiences through a completely immersive experience. Led by Banff International String Quartet Competition director Barry Shiffman, the Banff Centre International String Quartet Festival is held in off-competition years, and features concerts, masterclasses, and special events. This year’s Festival runs from September 1 – 3, 2017. 

 “What better way to relive the energy and excitement of the Banff Centre International String Quartet Competition than a chamber music festival?” said Barry Shiffman, director. “I invite all classical music fans to join us for three days of exceptional music-making in the extraordinary setting of the Canadian Rockies.” 

Concerts feature Banff International String Quartet Competition alumni including the Rolston String Quartet (2016 First Prize Laureate); the Jupiter String Quartet (2004); and the St. Lawrence String Quartet (1992); as well as Australian pianist Piers Lane; Canadian vocal sensations Tyler Duncan and Julie Nesrallah; and, stunning young artists Blake Pouliot, Alice Lee, and Alexander Malikov. 

Special events include masterclasses with emerging artists like violin sensation Alice Lee and pre-concert discussions including a conversation with Spanish filmmaker Beatriz Caravaggio, creator of the celebrated video to Steve Reich’s Different Trains that will be featured in the final performance of the festival. The St. Lawrence Quartet will present Haydn Discovery, which delves deeply into a particular Haydn quartet with virtuosic performance and a commentary rich in wit. 

Audiences can enjoy every note of the Banff Centre International String Quartet Festival in comfort with an all-inclusive package, including accommodation in Banff Centre’s newly renovated hotel, meals, reserved seating to all concerts, and access to special events with the purchase of a Festival Package. Both Festival Packages and Passports are on sale Wednesday, April 19 at 12 noon. Individual concert tickets are on sale Wednesday, May 3 at 12 noon. 

The Banff Centre International String Quartet Festival kicks off with a chamber music gala concert featuring works by Brahms and Ravel at the National Music Centre in Calgary, Alberta on Wednesday, April 19. Presented by Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity and the National Music Centre, Chamber Music from the Mountains features performances by Kristina Szabo, Barry Shiffman, and Stewart Goodyear; the Rolston String Quartet; and, Livia Sohn, Andres Diaz, Barry Shiffman, and Stewart Goodyear. Tickets cost $39.50, and can be purchased at studiobell.ca 

The Banff Centre International String Quartet Festival is generously supported by Sir Jack Lyons Charitable Trust. Chamber Music from the Mountains is supported by Presenting Patrons Jan and Larry Fichtner.

For more information about the Banff Centre International String Quartet Festival, visit banffcentre.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. banffcentre.ca

About Banff International String Quartet Competition: Founded in 1983 to mark the 50th anniversary of Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, the Banff Centre International String Quartet Competition 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 Rolston String Quartet, the Dover Quartet, the Cecilia String Quartet, the TinAlley String Quartet, the Jupiter Quartet, and more.