Biography
Since its debut in 1999, the Canadian Guitar Quartet has performed on three continents, going from one standing ovation to the next, and established a reputation as one of the finest guitar ensembles in the world.
During its twenty-plus years, the CGQ has released four critically acclaimed albums while touring extensively in Canada and abroad, appearing in recital, and with orchestra. The CGQ’s first concert at the 92Street Y in New York city, part of the Art of the Guitar series, was extremely well received. Don WiTer Jr., of the New York City Classical Guitar Society, wrote: “The Canadian Guitar Quartet made one of the greatest New York City Debuts of any ar;s;c ensemble in decades…STUNNING !!!”.
As well as performing and recording, the CGQ continues to mentor and direct young guitarists through clinics, masterclasses, and one on one teaching.
While personnel changes have occurred over the years, the ensemble has remained commited to its core mission: chamber music at its highest level, presenting a robust mix of clever new arrangements of classical masterworks alongside bold new works for guitar quartet – most often penned by past and present members of the ensemble. The engaging repertoire, performed with the CGQ’s fiery virtuosity, augmented by the players’ easy and congenial rapport with the audience, all make a Canadian Guitar Quartet concert an event to remember.
Steve Cowan
Described as “an elegant musician with a strong, crisp sense of rhythm” (American Record Guide), guitarist Steve Cowan has performed throughout Canada, the United States, and Europe. International highlights from recent seasons include concerto performances with Ensemble Del Arte (Germany), the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra (New Zealand) and two solo albums with HR Recordings (Spain).
As a chamber musician, Steve performs regularly with Forestare, a Montréal-based string ensemble. His duo with guitarist Adam Cicchillitti has premièred 21 new works and released an album of Canadian music titled FOCUS (Analekta, 2019); their next recording, Impressions intimes (Analekta, 2021), features original arrangements of Debussy, Ravel, Mompou and Tailleferre. As of 2022, he is also the newest member of the renowned Canadian Guitar Quartet.
Steve is a first-prize winner at eight international competitions and is currently a guitar instructor at McGill University.
Jérôme Ducharme
Since winning the Guitar Foundation of America International Competition, Jérôme Ducharme has become highly sought for solo recitals, chamber music projects, concerto performance as well as a for teaching. He has been invited to perform in various festivals in Canada, U.S.A and Mexico, and has given concerts for numerous guitar societies and other concert series.
He recorded with Naxos (CD of the month, La Scena Musicale) and a DVD with Melbay (premier recordings of works by canadian composer Maxime McKinley) in addition to participating in CD’s featuring other artists.
Jérôme has taught at McGill University since 2011, and in 2019 began teaching positions at Conservatoire de Musique de Montréal and Domaine Forget Summer Academy. His students have won honors in competitions and have success in their professionnal life.
Christ Habib
With an exciting and promising carrier in expansion, Christ Habib is becoming well known as an incredibly passionate musician who displays perseverance, discipline, and enthusiasm.
As well as stand-out appearances in numerous national and international competitions, Christ was recently named one of Canada’s Top 30 Classical Musicians Under 30 (2020 edition). In October, 2020 he made his debut with the National Arts Centre Orchestra, with renowned conductor Alexander Shelley in a performance of Canadian composer Jacques Hétu’s Concerto for Guitar and Strings, Op.56. In 2019, he capped-off 12 years of studying at the Gatineau Conservatory of Music under the tutelage of Patrick Roux with a Master’s Degree and the Prize in Chamber Music.
Christ currently teaches in his own private studio.
Louis Trépanier
Over a career that is now well into its third decade, Louis Trépanier has shown himself to be a seasoned chamber musician, occasional soloist, experienced pedagogue, composer and arranger, always with his customary energy and sensitivity.
He is a founding member of the Canadian Guitar Quartet, as well as Trio Tangere. With these two ensembles, as well as through various other collaborations, he has performed on three continents and judged competitions on the national and international levels.
He completed his formal musical education in 1998 at the Conservatoire de musique de Hull with Patrick Roux; Louis also furthered himself by working with leading musicians in masterclasses or in collaboration projects.
Since 2002, he has been teaching at the University of Ottawa’s School of Music, where he is the Coordinator of the Guitar Sector.
Masterclass
The Canadian Guitar Quartet is famous for their mesmerizing performances but the four members are nonetheless experimented teachers. They dedicate themself to share their knowledge and experience with students ranging from beginner to advence, about chamber music as well as solo music.
We are now available for masterclasses (with an audience) and private lessons. Depending on the actual situation we can teach online or in person.
Albums
