Metro Vancouver, B.C. – Starting this month, the world-renowned and critically acclaimed Borealis String Quartet will serve 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 in the media 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.
"Having collaborated with the quartet, I can personally say that they are inspirational professionals at the highest artistic level," added Jane Hayes, an instructor in KPU's department of music.
A chamber and orchestral music concert performed in conjunction with the Langley Fine Arts School on Tuesday, May 27 marks the start of the quartet’s residency at KPU. More information about the event is available here. To learn more about the Borealis String Quartet, visit their website.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region for 30 years, and has opened doors to success for more than 250,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs, including business, liberal arts, science, design, health, trades and technology, apprenticeships, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 19,000 students annually have a choice from over 124 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and citations. Learn more at www.kpu.ca.
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Caption: The world-renowned Borealis String Quartet will be KPU's String Quartet-in-Residence for a year, beginning this month.
Media contact:
Hayley Woodin
Media Specialist, KPU
t: 604.599.2883
c: 604.364.1288
hayley.woodin@kpu.ca
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kpu.ca/newsroom