The Proliferation of String Quartets in Canada 1991-2014
The Proliferation of String Quartets in Canada 1991-2014 by Min-Jeong Koh A thesis submitted in conformity with the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Musical Arts Faculty of Music University of Toronto © Copyright by Min-Jeong Koh 2014 The Proliferation of String Quartets in Canada 1991-2014 Min-Jeong Koh Doctor of Musical Arts Faculty of Music University of Toronto 2014 Abstract This paper examines the proliferation of string quartets in Canada between 1991 and 2014. The year 1991 is a pivotal one: it was the end of a Golden Age of string quartet performance in Canada with the conclusion of the activities of the Orford, Vághy, and Purcell Quartets. It marked, also, the beginning of a New Golden Age of string quartet performance in Canada. Similar to their predecessors, the quartets of this new era have different levels of international success, but one could call it a New Golden Age from the sheer number of professional ensembles active in Canada from 1991 onward. The thesis begins with biographies of leading ensembles of this period: the Alcan, Arthur Leblanc, Claudel-Canimex, St. Lawrence, Lafayette, Penderecki, Molinari, Bozzini, Borealis, Tokai, Silverbirch, Cecilia, Afiara, and the New Orford Quartets. The fourth chapter researches the opportunities available to string quartets in Canada, including the Banff International String Quartet Competition. To supplement the biographies and to gain additional insight on the available resources, eight quartet players participated in interviews. Findings emphasize the need to create more support for Canadian musicians, including both professional ensembles and also young aspiring quartet ensembles, to stay in Canada.
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