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 five critically acclaimed albumss 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 Witter 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 artistic 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 committed to its core mission: chamber music at its highest level by presenting a robust mix of classical masterworks in clever new arrangements alongside bold original works for guitar quartet – most often penned by past and present members of the ensemble. The engaging repertoire, the CGQ’s fiery virtuosity, the players’ easy and congenial rapport with the audience, all make a Canadian Guitar Quartet concert an event to remember.
The Canadian Guitar Quartet play Knobloch strings.
Christ Habib
Christ Habib is a passionate young musician, whose perseverance, discipline, and enthusiasm ensure a promising career ahead.
As well as being a stand-out performer in many national and international competitions over the years, in 2020 Christ made CBC’s 30 under 30 Artists list; the same year he made his début with the National Center Orchestra, under the baton of maestro Alexander Shelly, performing Canadian composer Jacques Hétu’s Concerto for Guitar and String Orchestra, Op. 56.
Crowning 12 years of study at the Conservatoire de Musique de Gatineau, under the tutelage of Patrick Roux, he obtained a unanimous Prize in Chamber Music and Distinction for his final Masters’ Degree recital. Further study and development with great masters were undertaken in, among others, the Boston International Guitar Academy, and many years at the Guitar Study Programs of the Domaine Forget.
Christ currently teaches in his private studio.
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, Europe, and New Zealand. 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 guitar orchestra. His duo with guitarist Adam Cicchillitti has premièred 21 new works and released an album of Canadian music titled FOCUS (Analekta, 2019), which won Classical Recording of the Year at the 2021 East Coast Music Awards. Their second album, Impressions intimes, was nominated in the same category in 2022, and their upcoming album, Lyrique, is set to be released on Analekta in 2025.
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 for his teaching. He has been invited to perform in various festivals in Canada, the United States and Mexico, and has given concerts for numerous guitar societies and other concert series.
He has recorded with Naxos (CD of the month, La Scena Musicale) and a DVD with Mel Bay (premier recordings of works by Canadian composer Maxime McKinley) in addition to participating in CDs featuring other artists. Jérôme has taught at McGill University since 2011, and in 2019 began teaching at the Conservatoire de musique de Montréal.
His students have won honours in competitions and have success in their professional lives. Jérôme plays on a guitar by René Wilhelmy.
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. Louis plays a seven-string guitar by Jean Rompré.
Former members
Philip Candelaria, member from 1998 to 2013
Denis Donegani, member from 1998 to 2010
Patrick Roux, member from 1998 to 2011
Julien Bisaillon, member from 2011 to 2020
Bruno Roussell, member from 2012 to 2020
Renaud Côté-Giguère, member from 2014 to 2022