Many of the world’s leading young string players will meet in Banff this summer for the prestigious Banff International String Quartet Competition (BISQC), an event held every three years. Ten string quartets, whose members are all under the age of 35, will vie for over $50,000 in cash and prizes. Tickets are now on sale for BISQC running August 31 – September 5, 2004 at The Banff Centre.

"This event has become known as the Olympics of strings," explains Peter Gardner, executive director of BISQC. "The musicians will be playing for an illustrious jury, for an appreciative audience, and for each other."

There will be 14 performances throughout the week touching on all the best repertoire for string quartets – including classical, romantic, 20th century music, as well as the Pièce de concert by Stewart Grant, which has been commissioned by CBC. In total, 55 pieces of quartet music will be performed.

"It’s much more than a series of concerts," Gardner adds. "It’s a spectacular music festival in an inspiring setting. Audiences will have an opportunity to see and hear these talented musicians at their best."

The first BISQC was held in 1983 to mark the 50^th anniversary of The Banff Centre. The Daedalus Quartet from New York, U.S., won the 7^th Banff International String Quartet Competition in 2001.

A BISQC Passport, which offers reserved seating to all performances, and invitations to lectures and receptions, is $175 - almost 25-per-cent off the regular price. Ticket prices for the preliminary rounds are $15 adults, $12 students/seniors and Arts Lovers passholders per session. Ticket prices for the finals – to be held September 5, are $35 adults, $28 students/seniors and Arts Lovers passholders.

For BISCQ passports, or individual concert tickets, contact The Banff Centre Box Office at (403) 762-6301, toll-free within North America 1-800-413-8368 toll free, or online at www.banffcentre.ca/bisqc.

The RBC Foundation is a generous supporter of The Banff International String Quartet Competition.