Media Release 010823 - Olympics of Strings

The Banff Centre is about to host the Olympics of classical music. The 7^th Banff International String Quartet Competition, August 28 – September 2, 2001, will feature ten quartets from around the world who constitute the young elite when it comes to all things strings.

"This is a very exciting time," says Peter Gardner, executive director of the Banff International String Quartet Competition. "Everything is set to make this the competition one of the best ever. Imagine it – ten quartets from around the world, an illustrious jury, and a dedicated audience of string quartet followers – it’s all here in Banff. The Banff Centre is abuzz in preparation for this competition, which will give the campus the feel of a very high calibre festival," says Gardner.

The Banff International String Quartet Competition (BISQC) is a triennial event that has become recognized as one of the world’s leading international music competitions. Ten young quartets from around the world (Canada, USA, France, Germany, Japan, and the Czech Republic) will perform a total of 14 public concerts in the Eric Harvie Theatre at The Banff Centre, and will compete for over $75,000 in prizes.

New this year will be the Critics Forum--an open-panel discussion featuring well-known music critics from Canada and the United States--speaking on how the careers of developing artists are enhanced or affected by participation in competitions, and the response of the media to their performances. The forum, organized under the auspices of the Music Critic’s Association of North America, takes place on Sunday, September 2, and is free to the public.

7th Banff International String
Quartet Competition

The Banff International
String Quartet Competition
is grateful for the generous
support of the

The Royal Bank Financial Group will further its commitment to the Banff international String Quartet Competition (BISQC) with continuing support of $150,000 over three years for the 2004 competition. "It is a pleasure for the Royal Bank to support this event, which is known around the world for its impeccable integrity and response to the needs of artists," says Gordon Tallman, senior vice-president, Prairies.

The Banff Centre’s president and CEO, Mary Hofstetter, says this pledge is a clear example of Royal Bank’s commitment to supporting the arts in Canada and around the world. "We are thrilled to see two institutions of such distinction – The Banff Centre and the Royal Bank – partnering to showcase talent of international calibre. BISQC is one of the most prestigious music competitions on the global arts scene, and its success is due, in large measure, to the Royal Bank’s vision and continuing support. "

For a complete schedule of events, for tickets, or for more information, call The Banff Centre Box Office at 1-800-413-8369 or 762-6301.