CKUA’s final on-site presence at an Alberta summer music fest for 2026 is September 3 – 6, when we head to Banff.
Banff International String Quartet Fest (BISQFest) offers beautifully curated opportunities to hear award-winning musicians in unique collaborations. We’ll be at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity for music, conversation, and to connect with people who are lucky enough to be festival attendees.
Chris Lorway, President and CEO of Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, says, “There is nothing quite like the atmosphere at BISQFest. The artistry and tradition of the string quartet repertoire, spanning centuries of great composers, is set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Rocky Mountains.”
He adds, “At Banff Centre, artists, audiences, faculty, and staff share a vibrant campus community, making the experience as much about connection and discovery as it is about the performances themselves.”
Barry Shiffman, Director of Banff International String Quartet Competition and Festival, invites people to come to the festival with open minds. “If you come to an arts festival, it’s limiting to expect to love every concert in the same way. You should expect to be wrapped in a warm hug by certain pieces and moved by nostalgia by others. You should be uncomfortable with the message of certain pieces. Music is a reflection of our world. Our world doesn’t always smell of roses, and occasionally there will be a thorn. We hope that people come to BISQFest and leave with a range of experiences that just make them more curious and committed to live performing arts.”
If you’re a lucky ticket-holder for this festival, please connect with us at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity during these stunning events.
CKUA will have a table at the events listed below. Please stop by for a visit, say hi, grab a sticker, and tell us how the festival has been for you.
Saturday, September 5, 8pm, Jenny Belzberg Theatre
Copland’s Appalachian Spring & New Dance Works by Neshama Nashman
Canadian dancer and choreographer Neshama Nashman brings new works to life on the stage with live music, followed by a performance of Copland’s Appalachian Spring for chamber ensemble. Hear works by Bach, Lang, Barber, and Makkonen as well.
Sunday, September 6, 7:30pm, Rolston Recital Hall
Festival Finale: Barry Shiffman, Steven Isserlis, and Banff Festival Strings
Enjoy pieces by Golijov, Ravel, and Brahms when the festival finale brings together BISQFest Director Barry Shiffman, cellist Steven Isserlis, and the Banff Festival Strings.
Host Joe Hartfeil will also be on site at BISQFest, and the CKUA team will be capturing music and interviews with Opus 13, Jeremy McCoy, Mark Applebaum and Steven Isserlis that will be shared on the CKUA airwaves in the future.
* All interviews are subject to change, re-scheduling, etc.
Stay tuned via CKUA’s Instagram and Facebook pages to see the action unfold from one of Canada’s favourite classical music fests!
CKUA Summer 2026 is presented by Calgary Foundation.
