The Dior Quartet, the 2021-22 Quartet in Residence at the Glenn Gould School, has just returned to Toronto after competing at the Liszt Academy's prestigious Bartók World Competition in Hungary. The 2021 competition featured 11 quartets with membership from around the world. While the Dior Quartet did not progress to the semi-finals, they had an excellent experience competing in their first international competition.
Formed in Fall 2018 at the Jacobs School of Music, Indiana University under the tutelage of the Pacifica Quartet, the Dior Quartet consists of Noa Sarid and Tobias Elser (violins), Caleb Georges (viola) and Joanne Yesol Choi (2021-22 Rebanks Fellow, cello). They are just the third string quartet to hold a residency at the Glenn Gould School, following in the footsteps of the Afiara Quartet and Cecilia String Quartet.
“In our short time here, the Glenn Gould School has already provided us with a multitude of fantastic coaches. It is very enlightening to receive input from such qualified and diverse mentors,” says Elser. “These coachings together with our daily rehearsals have really struck a productive balance for us. One day diving headfirst into the picky detail work, and then the next, taking a step back to discuss the bigger picture.”
Associate Dean and Head of Chamber Music Barry Shiffman, one of their GGS mentors and a founding member of the St. Lawrence String Quartet, knows first-hand the importance of this unique experience for these young artists.
“I am always struck by the beauty of commitment that young classical artists bring to their work. It is a selfless and complete commitment that takes joy in the struggle – and lives for the reward – of excellence,” says Shiffman. “Seeing the Dior Quartet so focused and hardworking since they arrived in August has been inspiring.”
Up next for the quartet are two appearances as a part of the Prince Edward County Chamber Music Festival and the December 1st Rebanks Family Fellowship Concert. While at the PEC Chamber Music Festival, they will be sharing the stage in the finale concert with GGS alumnae the Rolston String Quartet, performing Mendelssohn’s String Quartet in Eb Major, Op. 20.
