Quartet Fest West, a study of string quartet literature with world-renowned Lafayette String Quartet at University of Victoria, features the launch of a new CD and a rare performance of one of the most beautiful works written for eight string players this year. An intensive chamber music workshop welcoming select students from across Canada and around the world, Quartet Fest West runs June 8 to 19 at the University of Victoria.
Now in its third year of revival, Quartet Fest West originally ran from 1993 to 1998 and has continued to be popular with performers and audiences. Hosted by UVic’s famed artists-in-residence since 1991, the event offers an unparalleled string quartet experience, including a series of concerts, masterclasses and workshops, all open to the public. This year’s acclaimed guest artists include violist Henk Guittart, pianist Alexander Tselyakov and the Penderecki String Quartet, who were part of the original QuartetFest West in 1993.
Highlights include the opening concert celebrating the launch of the Lafayette String Quartet’s latest CD, Distance and Motion, and the rarely performed Enescu Octet, featuring the combined talents of the Lafayette and Penderecki string quartets.
Quartet Fest West runs to June 19 with concerts at 8 p.m. on June 10, 13, 14, 16 and 19 in the Phillip T. Young Recital Hall, MacLaurin Building at UVic.
Daily masterclasses are open to the public by donation. Visit lafayettestringquartet.ca for a full list of classes that start June 8.
Concert tickets are $12 (students) and $25 (general). Full concert passes are $25 (students) and $65 (general). Tickets at the door, UVic Ticket Centre at 250-721-8480 or online at tickets.uvic.ca.
cvanreeuwyk@oakbaynews.com