The SBSQ returns to the NBSO's second string retreat! 

What an amazing way to start off the summer! The SBSQ travelled to Stanford University, CA, to study with the legendary St. Lawrence String Quartet. This seminar was one of the most intense and inspiring yet! Our schedule had us at choir practice (to teach us to play more like singers) at 8:45am, a morning and afternoon coaching, and at least two rehearsal periods (5+hrs), plus daily concerts by our amazing coaches.

We were able to work again with our beloved mentor Henk Guittart, as well as long-time friend (and violin virtuoso) Scott St. John. More exciting new mentors to the SBSQ were cellist Suren Bagratuni (whom we very much hope to see again), and Tim Ying (whom we hope to see in Toronto sometime soon!), as well as the members of the St. Lawrence String Quartet and pianists Steve Prutsman and Pedja Muzijevic

The SBSQ was thrilled to be able to go back to Banff, this time with our friends and collaborators Yoko Hirota (piano) and Robert Lemay (composer)! Our residency included two important new projects. 

In our first week, the SBSQ and Yoko worked on an exciting new piano quintet by Robert called "Territoires Intérieurs". Daily, we met with the composer himself (Robert Lemay) to dig deep into the piece, and develop an intimate understanding of every nuance. We also had the good fortune to be coached on it with the incredible pianist and contemporary music virtuoso Anthony de Mare, who helped us to deliver our performance with extra pizzaz. March 11th we were able to give the world premiere to a packed hall at the Banff Centre's beautiful Rolston Recital Hall!

In our second week, the SBSQ recorded some tracks for our first pro-quality demo CD. This CD will help us to bring our chamber music career to the next level! We fully recorded the Op. 20/No. 4 quartet of Franz Joseph Haydn, as well as two movements from the 3rd Quartet of Zemlinsky. Daily, we had coachings on the Zemlinsky with modern string quartet repertoire expert Henk Guittart, who has been a major mentor to the SBSQ. 

The North Bay Symphony, with director Thomas Jones, invites the SBSQ to teach at their string retreat! (www.stringretreat.ca) This is a retreat for the adult amateur string player who wants to spend some quality time doing some serious (and fun!) chamber music! Average day for the SBSQ: technique class (by instrument), three or four coachings sessions with the various participating ensembles, plus a DAILY evening performance! A highlight was also getting to watch Dr. Mark Swain (chiropractor) giving a daily lecture on taking care of your body (something that string players need to know!).

After a long search, the SBSQ is thrilled to welcome talented violist Jane Russell to the ensemble! Jane is an accomplished chamber musician as well as a delightful person. We are excited to have her join the SBSQ and we know that you'll love her as much as we do! Jane played with us for the first time at this year's Haydn In The Park, and audience members attest that she is such a natural fit with the ensemble, it's like she's been playing with us for years! Read more about Jane Russell.

The SBSQ released their collaborative cd with jazz pianist John Roney. Read more about SBSQ recordings!