Role

:

Ensemble

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

The Lafayette String Quartet is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences around the world for over three decades. The quartet was founded in 1986 at the University of Victoria in British Columbia, Canada, and has since become one of the most respected and sought-after string quartets in the world. The founding members of the Lafayette String Quartet were Ann Elliott-Goldschmid (violin), Sharon Stanis (violin), Joanna Hood (viola), and Pamela Highbaugh Aloni (cello). The quartet took its name from the street where they first rehearsed together, Lafayette Street. The group quickly gained recognition for their exceptional musicianship and dynamic performances, and they soon began to receive invitations to perform at major concert halls and festivals around the world. Over the years, the Lafayette String Quartet has undergone some changes in its membership. In 2007, Sharon Stanis retired from the quartet, and the group welcomed new first violinist, Juliette Kang. In 2018, Ann Elliott-Goldschmid also retired, and the quartet welcomed new second violinist, Yuel Yawney. The current members of the Lafayette String Quartet are Juliette Kang (violin), Yuel Yawney (violin), Joanna Hood (viola), and Pamela Highbaugh Aloni (cello). The Lafayette String Quartet has an extensive repertoire that spans from the classical era to contemporary music. They are particularly known for their interpretations of the works of Beethoven, Bartok, and Shostakovich. The quartet has also commissioned and premiered numerous works by contemporary composers, including John Harbison, R. Murray Schafer, and Jeffrey Ryan. The Lafayette String Quartet has performed at some of the most prestigious concert halls and festivals in the world, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the Edinburgh Festival. They have also collaborated with many renowned musicians, including pianist Anton Kuerti, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and the Tokyo String Quartet. One of the highlights of the Lafayette String Quartet's career was their performance of the complete Beethoven string quartet cycle at the Banff Centre for the Arts in 1999. The cycle, which consists of 16 string quartets, is considered one of the greatest achievements in the history of Western classical music. The Lafayette String Quartet's performance of the cycle was praised for its technical brilliance and emotional depth, and it cemented the quartet's reputation as one of the foremost interpreters of Beethoven's music. The Lafayette String Quartet has also been recognized with numerous awards and honors throughout their career. In 1991, they won the Grand Prize at the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, one of the most prestigious chamber music competitions in the United States. They have also been awarded the Juno Award, Canada's highest honor for music, and the Canadian Music Council's "Artist of the Year" award. In addition to their performances, the Lafayette String Quartet is also committed to music education and outreach. They have been artists-in-residence at the University of Victoria since their founding, and they have also held residencies at the Banff Centre for the Arts and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The quartet regularly gives masterclasses and workshops for young musicians, and they have also developed innovative educational programs for children and adults.

More....