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Shiffman reappointed as Banff International String Quartet Competition and Festival director

“I am delighted to be given the opportunity to continue leading the Banff International String Quartet Competition and Festival through 2028. BISQC has truly reinvented what a competition experience can be for both performers and audiences. … “As we move forward, we will continue to build on our strong foundation supporting young artists and expanding opportunities with our many partners in Canada and abroad. 

BANFF – Barry Shiffman will return as the director of the Banff International String Quartet Competition (BISQC) and Festival until 2028.

Shiffman began his term in 2006, with the announcement seeing him continuing the role for at least two decades.

“I am delighted to be given the opportunity to continue leading the Banff International String Quartet Competition and Festival through 2028,” said Shiffman in a media release. “BISQC has truly reinvented what a competition experience can be for both performers and audiences. … “As we move forward, we will continue to build on our strong foundation supporting young artists and expanding opportunities with our many partners in Canada and abroad. 

BISQC began in 1983, with the intention of being a one-time event to mark the 50th anniversary of Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. It became a triennial event and held its 14th edition last year.

However, the BISQC festival began being held in non-competitive years in 2017 in a three-day showcase. BISQFest will return Sept. 1-3, 2023 and feature competition alumni as well as international musicians.

The media release noted Shiffman’s leadership has helped increase the competition’s international reach that has seen winning quartets present in numerous concerts in North America and Europe. It added endowment funds and annual gifts have also increased under Shiffman.

The prize package in the 2022 competition was worth more than $500,000 in cash and prizes, with each quartet earning $5,000.

Banff Centre CEO and president Janice Price said she was happy to have Shiffman return long-term for both the triennial competition and non-competition year festival.

“Barry's global experience and reputation in the classical music world makes him the perfect choice to continue his inspired leadership of these treasured Banff Centre programs,” she said in a media release.

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