Borealis String Quartet

Borealis String Quartet

The Borealis String Quartet has rapidly established itself as a cutting-edge Canadian ensemble praised for its dynamic performances, passionate style, and refined, musical interpretation. As Quartet in Residence at the University of British Columbia, the Borealis String Quartet gives regular masterclasses and teaches chamber music at the School of Music. Featured in numerous broadcasts and documentaries for radio and television, the Borealis String Quartet has performed to critical acclaim and sold out concert halls.

In the fall of 2000, Patricia Shih, Yuel Yawney, Nikita Pogrebnoy, and Joel Stobbe brought their extensive musical experiences together to create a new and vibrant ensemble.

Violinist Patricia Lynne Shih has performed as recitalist and soloist with major orchestras throughout North America, Europe and Asia including the Munich Philharmonic, Royal Philharmonic, Halle Orchestra, Singapore Symphony, Toronto Symphony, and the Polish National Radio Orchestra. The legendary Josef Gingold who became her mentor at Indiana University where she began her studies at age 14, described her as "...one of the greatest talents that I have ever taught. Her great technique, inborn musicianship, sense of style and virtuosity are unequalled".

Yuel Yawney, praised for his “confident, smooth toned, and unobtrusive virtuosic playing” has performed throughout Canada, the United States and the Czech Republic. Frequently appearing as soloist and chamber musician, he has performed at festivals such as the Kneisel Hall Chamber Music Festival, the Banff Summer Festival, Domaine Forget and the Scotia Festival.

Born in St. Petersburg, Russia, Nikita Pogrebnoy has toured with ensembles and as soloist in Europe, Russia, Central and North America. In 1995, he won the Valentino Bucchi International Competition for Viola in Rome, Italy. As a graduate of the world famous St. Petersburg Conservatory of Music, Nikita Pogrebnoy also received an Artist Diploma at the Longy School of Music in Boston, Massachusetts.

Cellist Joel Stobbe was a member of the Amati Ensemble and the Violarte String Quartet of Germany and has toured throughout many of Europe's most prestigious concert halls. He graduated from the Leopold Mozart Konservatorium in Augsburg, Germany and before returning to Canada in the fall of 2000. Between quartet rehearsals and concerts Joel Stobbe enjoys his life long hobby of automotive restoration.

The Borealis String Quartet wishes to thank Professor Andrew Dawes, formerly of the Orford and Tokyo String Quartets for his direction, the University of British Columbia for their support, and the Chan Centre for making this recording possible.

"...a dynamic interpretation that moved effortlessly..." -The Gazette, Montreal

"a delectable, forceful, rhapsodic, yet subtle performance" -Times Colonist, Victoria

"...served notice with the lightning attack of the initial bars that they were not going to let anyone cling to their sober stereotypes of classical music and chamber quartets." -The Globe and Mail, Toronto.


		Borealis String Quartet The Borealis String Quartet has rapidly established itself as a cutting-edge Canadian ensemble praised for its dynamic performances, passionate style, and refined, musical interpretation. As Quartet in Residence at the University of British Columbia, the Borealis String Quartet gives regular masterclasses and teaches chamber music at the School of Music. Featured in numerous broadcasts and documentaries for radio and television, the Borealis String Quartet has performed to critical acclaim and sold out concert halls. In the fall of 2000, Patricia Shih, Yuel Yawney, Nikita Pogrebnoy, and Joel Stobbe brought their extensive musical experiences together to create a new and vibrant ensemble. Violinist Patricia Lynne Shih has performed as recitalist and soloist with major orchestras throughout North America, Europe and Asia including the Munich Philharmonic, Royal Philharmonic, Halle Orchestra, Singapore Symphony, Toronto Symphony, and the Polish National Radio Orchestra. The legendary Josef Gingold who became her mentor at Indiana University where she began her studies at age 14, described her as "...one of the greatest talents that I have ever taught. Her great technique, inborn musicianship, sense of style and virtuosity are unequalled". Yuel Yawney, praised for his “confident, smooth toned, and unobtrusive virtuosic playing” has performed throughout Canada, the United States and the Czech Republic. Frequently appearing as soloist and chamber musician, he has performed at festivals such as the Kneisel Hall Chamber Music Festival, the Banff Summer Festival, Domaine Forget and the Scotia Festival. Born in St. Petersburg, Russia, Nikita Pogrebnoy has toured with ensembles and as soloist in Europe, Russia, Central and North America. In 1995, he won the Valentino Bucchi International Competition for Viola in Rome, Italy. As a graduate of the world famous St. Petersburg Conservatory of Music, Nikita Pogrebnoy also received an Artist Diploma at the Longy School of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. Cellist Joel Stobbe was a member of the Amati Ensemble and the Violarte String Quartet of Germany and has toured throughout many of Europe's most prestigious concert halls. He graduated from the Leopold Mozart Konservatorium in Augsburg, Germany and before returning to Canada in the fall of 2000. Between quartet rehearsals and concerts Joel Stobbe enjoys his life long hobby of automotive restoration. The Borealis String Quartet wishes to thank Professor Andrew Dawes, formerly of the Orford and Tokyo String Quartets for his direction, the University of British Columbia for their support, and the Chan Centre for making this recording possible. "...a dynamic interpretation that moved effortlessly..." -The Gazette, Montreal "a delectable, forceful, rhapsodic, yet subtle performance" -Times Colonist, Victoria "...served notice with the lightning attack of the initial bars that they were not going to let anyone cling to their sober stereotypes of classical music and chamber quartets." -The Globe and Mail, Toronto. www.borealisstringquartet.com	Borealis String Quartet recordings: 0304


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