Great moments in UVic's history: Lafayette String Quartet

Acclaimed string quartet lured to stay in Victoria

Celebrating 25 years together is a memorable milestone for any musical group, but 2011 was doubly important for the internationally renowned Lafayette String Quartet, as it also marked their 20^th anniversary as artists-in-residence at the School of Music. The only all-female ensemble of its kind to still feature the original members—Ann Elliott Goldschmid (violin), Joanna Hood (viola), Pamela Highbaugh Aloni (cello) and Sharon Stanis (violin)—the LSQ at first weren’t keen on the idea of coming to Canada. Stanis clearly remembers getting the call from UVic. Based out of a pioneering arts academy in Detroit, they had recently been named “Young Artists to Watch” by the prestigious Musical America magazine. “I’ll never forget,” she recalls. “I thought the idea of living on an island was ridiculous. But UVic called a second time and asked us to just come and take the audition.” That audition, of course, not only changed their lives but also laid the foundation for UVic’s acclaimed string program. Since then, LSQ have become an essential part of the local community, thanks to initiatives like the annual Lafayette Health Awareness Series and their willingness to support fellow artists as mentors and performers. “UVic took a chance on a five-year-old quartet, but the university has shown a strong commitment to us,” says Stanis. “I feel very fortunate to be here, and to have the privilege of developing the string department. UVic has provided a real foundation for us.”

On September 23, the LSQ will be performing with Canadian pianist Robert Silverman at a special concert to support the School of Music’s Steinway funding. And on September 27, the LSQ will host the seventh annual Lafayette Health Awareness Forum at UVic’s David Lam Auditorium.

More info about these events.

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