The internationally acclaimed quartet from Canada - first violinist Geoff Nuttall, second violinist Barry Shiffman, violist Lesley Robertson and cellist Marina Hoover - will perform regularly on campus and direct the department's chamber music program and string program.

Associate Professor Jonathan Berger, who chaired the ensemble search committee, called the quartet "an astonishing combination of grace and chutzpah. These exciting performers make bold and beautiful musical statements."

In deciding to come to Stanford, Shiffman says, "We were looking for a place to hang our hat. The reality of full-time performing is that you need a place to come home to that is musically nurturing. Collaborating with students will help us recharge our batteries."

Among the quartet's credits are two competition victories, the coveted 1992 Naumberg Award and a 1993 White House performance.