Banff International String Quartet Festival Announces Full Artistic Lineup for Immersive Weekend of Music in the Mountains, Including Jan Lisiecki, Steven Isserlis, Afiara Quartet, Dalí Quartet, Opus13 Quartet, and more
By
Banff Centre Communications
Posted on
February 13, 2026
World-class string artists, cross-disciplinary performances, and collaborative concerts anchor four days at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity from September 3-6, 2026. Subscription package renewals begin February 25, 2026, and general package sales begin March 11.
BANFF, AB, FEBRUARY 13, 2026 — Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity is thrilled to announce the full lineup for the Banff International String Quartet Festival (BISQFest) 2026, taking place September 3–6, 2026, in Banff, Alberta.
Occurring in the years between the triennial Banff International String Quartet Competition (BISQC), BISQFest has immersed chamber music lovers in a long weekend of intimate performances and picturesque mountain views on Banff Centre campus since 2017.
Much like the world-renowned Competition, which named Cincinnati’s Poiesis Quartet as their reigning winners in 2025, the 2026 edition of BISQFest champions the best in chamber music by celebrating cherished contemporary performers, highlighting new artforms within the genre, and offering BISQC alumni a platform to share with peers, mentors, and passionate audiences.
Across eight concerts and other events curated by Director Barry Shiffman, BISQFest 2026 showcases internationally renowned soloists, ensembles, and interdisciplinary artists in performances spanning classical works, contemporary repertoire, and innovative cross-artform collaborations.
2026 BISQFest Artists
This year’s festival features an exceptional roster of artists, including:
Jan Lisiecki, internationally celebrated pianist from Calgary, Alberta, and Banff Centre alumnus, performing with the Banff Festival Orchestra
Steven Isserlis, legendary Grammy Award and Gramophone Award-winning cellist
Mark Applebaum, composer and multimedia artist, featured in performances and artist talks
Acclaimed harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani
Canadian violinist Jonathan Crow
BISQC 2nd place laureates Afiara String Quartet (2016) and Opus13 String Quartet (2022)
Champions of Latin chamber music, Dalí String Quartet
Connie Shih, Canadian pianist and chamber musician of international distinction
Choreography and Strings, an interdisciplinary evening exploring movement and music with dancer and choreographer Neshama Nashman
Calgary, Alberta-born accordionist Michael Bridge
A screening of the documentary FOUR RATIONAL PEOPLE, following the Emerson String Quartet on their final tour
Banff International String Quartet Competition and Festival Director Barry Shiffman
Concerts take place in Banff Centre venues, including Rolston Recital Hall, Jenny Belzberg Theatre, Kinnear Centre for Creativity and Innovation, and Margaret Greenham Theatre. For the full schedule of events, visit banffcentre.ca/bisqfest.
Over four days in September, Banff will be bursting at the seams as we celebrate chamber music and community with over 40 artists, including string quartets, soloists, composers, dancers, and more. I’m so excited about the lineup we’ve created—with legends like Jan Lisiecki and Steven Isserlis, but also filled with surprises and new experiences. I hope you join me this summer!
Barry Shiffman, Director, Banff International String Quartet Competition and Festival
Subscription Packages
Often called “music of friends” due to its intimate settings, chamber music is not just a performance but a conversation between musicians and audience members. To celebrate the strong sense of community at BISQFest, there are several package options to create an immersive experience at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity.
BISQFest 2026 is available through two curated subscription options. The BISQFest FULL Festival Package offers reserved seating for all festival concerts, along with access to exclusive package-holder events and talks throughout the weekend. The BISQFest LITE Festival Package provides a shorter festival experience, including select concerts and access to special events.
On-site accommodation and meal plans are available as optional add-ons for festival subscribers, allowing audiences to fully immerse themselves in the artistic community of Banff Centre and BISQFest. Visit banffcentre.ca/bisqfest for details.
Ticket Information
Festival packages are available by advance booking request, with additional details to be released ahead of the festival. Subscription package renewals begin on February 25, 2026, and general package sales open March 11, 2026. Single tickets will be available this spring.
Banff International String Quartet Competition and Festival are supported by the Azrieli Foundation, David and Christine Anderson, the Jenny Belzberg Future Fund, Sandra Green, and Anonymous.
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See Banff Centre’s Media Room here.
For photos, information, or interview requests, please contact:
Carly Maga
Director, Communications
Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
tel: +1.403.763.6210
cell: +1.403.431.3423
carly_maga@banffcentre.ca
About BISQFest
The Banff International String Quartet Festival (BISQFest) is a signature festival experience of the Banff International String Quartet Competition, offering audiences an intimate encounter with leading artists in chamber music today. Set against the backdrop of Banff National Park, the festival reflects Banff Centre’s commitment to artistic excellence, experimentation, and creative collaboration.
About Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
Founded in 1933, Banff Centre is a post-secondary institution built upon an extraordinary legacy of excellence in artistic and leadership development. What started as a single course in drama has grown to become a global organization leading in arts, culture, and creative decision-making across dozens of disciplines, from the fine arts to Indigenous Wise Practices. From our home in the stunning Canadian Rocky Mountains, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity aims to move everyone who attends our campus - artists, leaders, thinkers, and audiences - to unleash their creative potential and realize their unique contribution to build an innovative, inspiring future through education, performances, convenings, and public outreach. banffcentre.ca
Banff Centre
107 Tunnel Mountain Drive
Banff, Alberta
Canada
T1L 1H5
403.762.6100
www.banffcentre.ca
We recognize, with deep respect and gratitude, our home on the side of Sacred Buffalo Guardian Mountain. In the spirit of respect and truth, we honour and acknowledge the Banff area, known as “Minihrpa” (translated in Stoney Nakoda as “the waterfalls”) and the Treaty 7 territory and oral practices of the Îyârhe Nakoda (Stoney Nakoda) – comprised of the Bearspaw, Chiniki, and Goodstoney Nations – as well as the Tsuut’ina First Nation and the Blackfoot Confederacy comprised of the Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Shuswap Nations, Ktunaxa Nations, and Métis Nation of Alberta, Rockyview District 4. We acknowledge all Nations who live, work, and play here, help us steward this land, and honour and celebrate this place.