I recently attended this wonderful concert as part of MusicFest Vancouver at Christ Church Cathedral.
In 2011 the Lafayette String Quartet celebrates its 25th anniversary season. These dynamic women (Ann Elliott-Goldschmid, violin; Sharon Stanis, violin; Joanna Hood, viola; Pamela Highbaugh Aloni, cello) have inspired audiences and performed to critical acclaim throughout North America and Europe since 1986.
Formed in Detroit, Michigan, the Lafayette String Quartet has from its beginning combined the two disciplines of performing and teaching. With the support of the Ford Motor Co. and a Chamber Music American Residency Grant, the members of the Quartet taught for several years in Detroit, where they shared their enthusiasm and love of music with students. Early in the Quartet’s career it also garnered major competition prizes, and in 1988 was described by Musical America magazine as “Young Artists to Watch”.
Defying the odds in the demanding world of string quartets, the four original members of the Lafayette Quartet have stayed together and flourished artistically for over 20 years. Artists-in-Residence at the University of Victoria’s School of Music in British Columbia since 1991, the Quartet’s dedication and skill have played a major role in building one of the finest music schools in Canada. Students from all over North America are attracted to the Quartet’s widely respected coaching and teaching skills.