Ottawa (July 20, 2007) — A highlight at Chamberfest '07 is undoubtedly the arrival of four of the world's finest string quartets in Ottawa to play the complete cycle of Ludwig van Beethoven's String Quartets.

Coming as they do from very different cultural and musical backgrounds, each quartet will bring a very different approach and sound.

The renowned Leipzig String Quartet, with its repertoire spanning the two Viennese Schools, will be playing three of the six recitals. As initiators of the 1996/97 Beethoven Quartet Cycle performed by six ensembles as a sign of European friendship, this will be familiar ground. Indeed, to celebrate its 20th anniversary, the ensemble is performing the Beethoven quartet cycle worldwide during 2007/08/09.

The Moscow String Quartet is considered to have a refined musical style coupled with tremendous artistic temperament, tinged with a hint of nostalgia. A combination that sounds just about right for interpreting Beethoven.

The Shanghai String Quartet's name harks back to its origins, some 25 years ago. In the intervening years, it has performed on the world's most prominent concert stages - even building a reputation for juxtaposing Eastern and Western sounds. The Quartet is currently Ensemble-in-Residence at Montclair State University, New Jersey and will be giving a Master Class to the Quatuor Despax - two brothers and two sisters - during Chamberfest. (July 28)

Formed in 1989 by four Canadians, the St. Lawrence String Quartet ranks among the very finest ensembles in the world. In addition to its classical repertoire, the Quartet is passionately committed to performing works by living composers. Here in Ottawa, however, it will be interpreting the work of Beethoven in a style that is all its own.

The cycle of 17 Quartets represent the three major phases of Beethoven's career. It is said that audiences can hear how, toward the end of his life, Beethoven created a style so powerful in expression that nothing in the world of music could ever be quite the same again. Perhaps audiences lucky enough to hear four such distinguished ensembles, may well feel the same about the 17 Quartets at Chamberfest. It is a rare moment when the musicians and the music can come together like this.

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Leipzig String Quartet: August 1, 2 and 3.
Moscow String Quartet: July 24.
Shanghai String Quartet: July 26.
St. Lawrence String Quartet: July 30.

For information and tickets please visit: www.chamberfest.com

Frances Phillips, (613) 234-8008 Ex. 241; Mob. (613) 852-7848; or email media@chamberfest.com

Dian Prodanov, (613) 234-8008 Ex. 243; or email communications@chamberfest.com

Karen St. Aubin, (613) 234-8008 Ex. 244; or email events@chamberfest.com