Quartet’s "high quality" and "professionalism" earned group scholarship from the St. Lawrence String Quartet.

Colombian quartet participated in SLSQ master classes series at the 2009 Cartagena International Music Festival.

Bogotá, Colombia – The Monserrate String Quartet, a group of dedicated Colombian musicians from the National University of Colombia, has been invited by the St. Lawrence String Quartet to participate in a Chamber Music Seminar at Stanford University (California) June 26-July 5. Paula Castañeda, Edilberto Fonseca (violins); David Merchán Amaya (viola), and Luis Carlos Trivino (cello) came to the attention of the SLSQ in master classes they taught during the 2009 Cartagena International Festival of Music.

“We were very impressed with the high quality of the group’s playing and their professionalism,” says Christopher Costanza, member of the SLSQ. “It’s very gratifying to us when we discover new talent. It’s one of the rewards we have experienced from our involvement in the Cartagena International Music Festival these past two years.”

The SLSQ Chamber Music Seminar at Stanford University, led by members of the St. Lawrence String Quartet, will take place between June 26 and July 5. This intensive program aims to support the musical education of young professionals and amateurs. A typical working day includes coachings, scheduled rehearsal time, and an evening activity such as a master class, readings as a chamber orchestra, a guest presentation on related topics or sight-reading sessions.

The Monserrate String Quartet was formed in 2005 under the direction of Maestro Gabriel Guzman. Under his direction the quartet has recorded the soundtrack for the Colombian film "Soñar No Cuesta Nada" (Rodrigo Triana, 2006); participated in numerous musical presentations at some of the most important Colombian universities including the “Young Talented Concerts Series” of the Luis Angel Arango Library. In addition, the group performed music by composers of the Music Conservatory at the National University live on the university’s radio station.

Editorial Note:
Pictures of the Monserrate String Quartet are available upon request at mmendoza@cartagenamusicfestival.com

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