Article

Purcell String Quartet

Published Online February 7, 2006

Last Edited December 15, 2013

The Vancouver-based PSQ was founded in 1969 by 4 Vancouver Symphony Orchestra principals, Norman Nelson and Raymond Ovens (violins), Simon Streatfeild (viola) and Ian Hampton (cello). The ensemble was joined in 1969 by Philippe Etter (viola) and in 1979 by Sydney Humphreys and Bryan King (violins).

Purcell String Quartet

The Vancouver-based PSQ was founded in 1969 by 4 Vancouver Symphony Orchestra principals, Norman Nelson and Raymond Ovens (violins), Simon Streatfeild (viola) and Ian Hampton (cello). The ensemble was joined in 1969 by Philippe Etter (viola) and in 1979 by Sydney Humphreys and Bryan King (violins). The quartet has toured, broadcast and recorded extensively in Canada. International appearances have included London, New York and San Francisco as well as Japan. In 1987, its 18th season, it toured Cuba, Florida and Mexico. The PSQ was quartet-in-residence at Simon Fraser University (1972-82). It has commissioned or given premiere performances of numerous Canadian works. Marc Destrubé replaced Humphreys in 1987 and was succeeded by Heather Hay in 1988. The quartet visited France and the UK in 1989, and suspended operations in 1990.