Quartet Fest West, the popular summer string quartet intensive, returns to the School of Music from June 9 – 20. Attracting participants from across Canada, the US and Italy, the festival of concerts, workshops and coachings is hosted by UVic’s beloved quartet-in-residence, the Lafayette String Quartet.
The LSQ’s Ann Elliott-Goldschmid with students at QuartetFest West 2013
Anchored by the chamber music workshop, Quartet Fest West is an in-depth study of the string quartet literature that also features a series of public concerts (see below) and masterclasses (open to the public by donation). Another highlight is an open discussion with Andrew Dawes, first violinist of the Orford String Quartet and the Tokyo String Quartet.
“It’s really intensive,” says LSQ violinist Ann Elliott-Goldschmid of the Quartet Fest West experience. “The students learn how to communicate very effectively, they have to learn the music quickly and come to agreements quickly—they don’t have a semester to work on something, they only have 10 days.”
Alcan String Quartet
Participants and the public alike will have the opportunity to soak in the host quartet’s prowess in a concert on June 18. Performing works by Boccherini, Shostakovich and Mendelssohn, the Lafayette String Quartet will share the stage with David Ellis, cellist of the Alcan String Quartet—this year’s guest coaches from Chicoutimi, Québec. One of Canada’s most celebrated chamber music ensembles, the Alcan String Quartet is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.
The festival culminates in a student concert on June 20 featuring chamber groups made up of Quartet Fest participants.
Andrew Dawes
Open Discussion with Andrew Dawes
7:30pm – 9:00pm Friday, June 13 • Maclaurin Building Room B037
Admission by donation
Join a chat with teacher and soloist Andrew Dawes, founding member and first violinist of the Orford String Quartet and first violinist of the Tokyo String Quartet. During his career he performed over 3,000 concerts on six continents and made 60 recordings.
Lafayette String Quartet with David Ellis, cello
8pm Wednesday, June 18 • Phillip T. Young Recital Hall (UVic MacLaurin Building, B-Wing) • Tickets are $12 (students) and $25 (general) from the UVic Ticket Centre (250-721-8480).
Don’t miss this concert featuring Boccherini’s Cello Quintet, Shostakovich’s Quartet No. 10, Op. 118 and Mendelssohn‘s Quartet in E minor, Op. 44, No. 2
Participating Quartets Concert
8pm Friday, June 20 • Phillip T. Young Recital Hall (UVic MacLaurin Building, B-Wing)
Admission by donation
Featuring participating quartets of Quartet Fest West 2014, the program for this concert is yet to be announced.
Be sure to check the School of Music’s online calendar for more QuartetFest West workshops and events.