Banff International String Quartet Competition Winner’s Tour sends Cecilia String Quartet across North America
Banff, Alberta, September 25, 2011 -- Canada’s Cecilia String Quartet are in the midst of a intensive tour that will introduce audiences across North America to the passionate and creative playing that won them first prize at the 2010 Banff International String Quartet Competition (BISQC).
Throughout 2011 the quartet will travel across Canada and the United States, including stops in Minnesota, Illinois, New York, Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, and British Columbia. The BISQC winner’s tour is supported by The Banff Centre through the Freeze Family Career Development Fund.
The Cecilia String Quartet was among the eight finalist quartets from around the world who competed in the 2010 BISQC. In addition to the winner’s tour, their RBC Awards First Prize package includes $25,000 (CND), an extensive three-year career development program, Banff Centre residencies, including the production of a CD, and public relations assistance. Cecilia members also took home a quartet of custom bows by renowned bow maker François Malo.
Founded in 1983 to mark the 50th anniversary of The Banff Centre, BISQC is a triennial competition that helps support emerging string quartet careers. Recognized by the World Federation of International Music Competitions, it is among the top events of its kind.
Based in Toronto, the Cecilia String Quartet includes Min-Jeong Koh, violin; Sarah Nematallah, violin; Caitlin Boyle, viola; and Rachel Desoer, cello. The quartet has a multi-CD recording contract with ANALEKTA recordings, with the first release planned for January 2012.
Fall 2011 tour dates include:
September 4: La Fete de la Musique, Mount Tremblant, Quebec
September 18: Lockport, Illinois
October 1: Colours of Music Festival with clarinettist Peter Stoll, Barrie, Ontario
October 4:Americas Society, New York
October 7–9: Kelowna Chamber Music &Wine Festival, BC
October 11–14: Music in the Morning, Vancouver, BC
October 16–17: Victoria Conservatory of Music, BC
October 18–23: Community Music Works, Providence, Rhode Island
October 24: Calgary Pro Musica, Alberta
October 27: The Banff Centre, Rolston Recital Hall concert with Honens laureate Georgy Tchaidze
November 13: Hamilton, Ontario
The Banff International String Quartet Competition is generously supported by RBC.
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About The Banff Centre: The Banff Centre’s mission is inspiring creativity. Thousands of artists, leaders and researchers from across Canada and around the world participate in programs here every year. Through its multi-disciplinary programming, The Banff Centre provides them with the support they need to create, to develop solutions, and to make the impossible possible.
