Role

:

Ensemble

 

The Afiara String Quartet is a Canadian classical music ensemble that has gained international recognition for their innovative and dynamic performances. The quartet was formed in 2006 and consists of violinists Valerie Li and Timothy Kantor, violist Eric Wong, and cellist Adrian Fung. The members of the Afiara String Quartet met while studying at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. They quickly discovered a shared passion for chamber music and began performing together as a quartet. The group took its name from the Afiara Estate in Ontario, Canada, where they held their first rehearsals. In 2008, the Afiara String Quartet won the Concert Artists Guild International Competition, which helped to launch their career. They have since performed at major venues around the world, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Berlin Philharmonic. The quartet has also collaborated with renowned musicians such as Yo-Yo Ma, Pinchas Zukerman, and the St. Lawrence String Quartet. One of the highlights of the Afiara String Quartet's career was their performance at the 2012 London Olympics. They were chosen to represent Canada at the Cultural Olympiad, where they performed a program of Canadian and British music. The quartet also performed at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, as part of the Canadian Olympic Team's cultural program. The Afiara String Quartet has received numerous awards and accolades for their performances and recordings. In addition to the Concert Artists Guild International Competition, they have won the Young Canadian Musicians Award and the Munich ARD International Music Competition. They have also been nominated for a Juno Award, Canada's top music award, for their album "Spin Cycle." The quartet is known for their innovative programming, which often includes contemporary works alongside classical repertoire. They have commissioned and premiered works by composers such as Avner Dorman, Fuhong Shi, and Kevin Lau. The Afiara String Quartet is also committed to music education and frequently gives masterclasses and workshops for young musicians. In addition to their performances and recordings, the Afiara String Quartet has also been involved in several multimedia projects. They collaborated with filmmaker Atom Egoyan on the multimedia project "Fragments," which combined music, film, and spoken word. The quartet also created a series of videos called "Spin Cycle Sessions," which featured performances of works from their album "Spin Cycle" in unusual locations such as laundromats and bike shops. The Afiara String Quartet continues to be a leading ensemble in the world of classical music. Their innovative programming, dynamic performances, and commitment to music education have earned them a devoted following and critical acclaim.

More....