The Cecilia String Quartet is a Canadian classical music ensemble that has gained international recognition for their exceptional performances and recordings. The quartet was founded in 2004 at the University of Toronto, where the members were studying music. The founding members of the quartet were Min-Jeong Koh (violin), Sarah Nematallah (violin), Caitlin Boyle (viola), and Rachel Desoer (cello). The quartet was named after Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of music, and has since become one of the most sought-after string quartets in the world. The quartet has performed in major concert halls across North America, Europe, and Asia, and has collaborated with some of the most renowned musicians in the classical music world. The Cecilia String Quartet has won numerous awards and accolades for their performances and recordings. In 2010, they won the Banff International String Quartet Competition, which is one of the most prestigious competitions for string quartets in the world. They were also awarded the prestigious Cleveland Quartet Award in 2011, which is given to young string quartets that have shown exceptional promise. The quartet has released several critically acclaimed recordings, including their debut album, "Mendelssohn Op. 44, Nos. 1 and 2," which was released in 2011. The album received rave reviews from critics and was named one of the top classical recordings of the year by The New York Times. In addition to their performances and recordings, the Cecilia String Quartet is also committed to music education and outreach. They have worked with young musicians in schools and community centers across Canada and have also served as faculty members at several music festivals and workshops. The quartet has undergone some changes in its membership over the years. In 2013, Min-Jeong Koh left the quartet and was replaced by Yolanda Bruno. In 2018, Caitlin Boyle left the quartet and was replaced by Brandon Chui. Despite these changes, the Cecilia String Quartet has continued to thrive and has remained one of the most respected and admired string quartets in the world. They have continued to push the boundaries of classical music and have inspired countless young musicians to pursue their passion for music. Some of the highlights of the quartet's major performances include their debut at Carnegie Hall in 2012, where they performed works by Beethoven, Mendelssohn, and Shostakovich. They have also performed at the Wigmore Hall in London, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The quartet has also collaborated with some of the most renowned musicians in the classical music world, including pianist Menahem Pressler, cellist Gary Hoffman, and violist Roberto Diaz. In addition to their performances and collaborations, the Cecilia String Quartet has also been recognized for their contributions to music education and outreach. They have received the Canadian Music Centre's Centrediscs Award for their commitment to promoting Canadian music and have also been awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for their contributions to Canadian culture. In conclusion, the Cecilia String Quartet is a Canadian classical music ensemble that has gained international recognition for their exceptional performances and recordings. The quartet was founded in 2004 and has since become one of the most sought-after string quartets in the world.

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