Banff International String Quartet Competition & Festival at Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity

For nearly 40 years, Banff International String Quartet Competition (BISQC) has celebrated the art of chamber music while providing career support for emerging string quartets. Intended as a one-time special event, the first competition was held in 1983 to mark the 50th anniversary of Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. The outstanding success of the first competition inspired organizers to make this a triennial event.

In 2017, the Banff International String Quartet Festival (BISQFest) commenced in non-competition years. This intimate weekend concert experience offers beautifully curated opportunities to hear laureates from the competitions in unique collaborations with other world-renowned musicians.

Both BISQC and BISQFest provide options for audience to embrace the music and connect with other chamber music lovers, from tickets to on-site accommodation and meals at Banff Centre's beautiful campus nestled in the mountains, it is an experience unlike any other.

BISQC is committed to fostering career development with competition laureates through touring, residencies, coaching, collaborations, and recordings, as well as supporting opportunities for youth with mentoring programs.

All of these activities – competition, festival and career development – aim to provide opportunities for musicians and audience alike, inspired by the beautiful setting of Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in the Canadian Rockies.

BISQC is a member of the World Federation of International Music Competitions and is widely recognized among the top events of its kind.