In locations as far flung as Houston, Paris, Warsaw, and Givataim, Israel, the world’s finest young string quartets are preparing for the “Olympics of Strings” — the 8th Banff International String Quartet Competition (BISQC). From August 31 to September 5, ten quartets from around the world will perform works from the classical, romantic, and 20th/21st century repertoire for an enthusiastic audience and the competition jury at The Banff Centre.

The 2004 BISQC quartets include: Alma String Quartet (Paris, France), Carmel Quartet (Givataim, Israel), Enso Quartet (Houston, TX, U.S.), Fry Street Quartet (Logan, UT, U.S.), Jupiter String Quartet (Boston, MA, U.S.), Matangi Quartet (The Hague, Holland), Penguin Quartet (Prague, Czech Republic), Quince Quartet (London, U.K.), Royal String Quartet (Warsaw, Poland), and the Tokai String Quartet (Toronto, ON, Canada).

“For our loyal BISQC audience, the excitement is every bit as intense as that surrounding the Athens Olympics,” says Peter Gardner, executive director of BISQC. “BISQC performances are characterized by energy and passion. These will be edge of your seat concerts.” The six day competition features 14 concerts, plus daily lectures, and an international Music Critic’s Forum.

Created in 1983 to mark the 50th anniversary of The Banff Centre, the triennial Banff International String Quartet Competition (BISQC) is recognized as one of the world’s leading international music competitions. The competition is open to quartets of all nationalities whose members are all under the age of 35. Awards include $75,000 in cash and prizes, including the offer of a Banff Centre residency and CD recording, a set of bows by renowned Canadian bow maker Michael Vann, and a recital tour arranged by The Banff Centre.

BISQC is supported by RBC Financial Group. “We are honoured to present this world-class competition, which helps young musicians develop their careers and treats all who attend to top-calibre performances," said Bruce MacKenzie, senior vice-president for RBC Royal Bank. "Our support of the Banff International String Quartet Competition is just one component of our over $2 million contribution this year to arts organizations across Canada — enriching lives and building communities through music, dance, theatre, and the visual arts.”

Banff Centre president and CEO, Mary Hofstetter says BISQC is just one example of The Banff Centre’s commitment to fostering the creativity of emerging artists. “With the invaluable support of partners like RBC, The Banff Centre transforms the careers of young artists.” Past BISQC winners include the Daedalus Quartet (2001), Miró Quartet (1998), Amernet Quartet (1995), St. Lawrence Quartet (1992), Manfred Quartet (1989), Franciscan Quartet (1986), and the Colorado String Quartet (1983).

Tickets to this year’s Banff International String Quartet Competition are going fast. For a complete schedule of events, or for tickets, contact The Banff Centre Box Office at (403) 762-6301 or 1-800-413-8368 or visit www.banffcentre.ca/bisqc.

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Find high-resolution, downloadable images at: http://www.banffcentre.ca/communications/images/bisqc/