Starting at the end of May, the world-renowned and critically acclaimed Borealis String Quartet now serves as Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s (KPU) String Quartet-in-Residence.
Founded in Vancouver in 2000, the Borealis is celebrated and acknowledged internationally for its fiery and passionate music. Described as “compellingly emotive,” “rhapsodic” and “four of the biggest young talents,” the dynamic quartet has served as String Quartet-in-Residence across North America at various universities and music festivals.
The group has performed to sold-out audiences from Los Angeles to New York, and from Rome to Beijing. For the next year, they will be sharing their worldly experiences and talent with music students in Surrey, Langley, Richmond, Delta and Vancouver from a new home base at KPU Langley, through a partnership with the university’s department of music.
“The Borealis String Quartet are exceptional, compelling musicians with whom we are absolutely thrilled to partner.
“KPU is excited to develop our long-term relationship with this amazing quartet to benefit our students, faculty and the communities we serve,” said Diane Purvey, Dean of the Faculty of Arts. During their time in residence, the Borealis will perform at Borealis String Fests alongside groups that include the Surrey Symphony Society’s youth orchestra, Richmond Delta Youth Orchestra and West Vancouver Youth Band’s string ensembles.
They will also help build a pre-post-secondary string program through KPU’s continuing education programming, and form scholarship opportunities for young musical talents.
A chamber and orchestral music concert performed in conjunction with the Langley Fine Arts School on Tuesday, May 27 marked the start of the quartet’s residency at KPU.
More information about the event is available at kpu.ca/arts/music/bsq. To learn more visit their website at
borealisstringquartet.com
