About the Artists

The Canadian Guitar Quartet
Steve Cowan – Jérôme Ducharme – Christ Habib – Louis Trépanier

Since its debut in 1999, the Canadian Guitar Quartet (CGQ) has performed on three continents, earning standing ovations and establishing a reputation as one of the world’s finest guitar ensembles.

Over more than two decades, the CGQ has released five critically acclaimed albums and toured extensively throughout Canada and internationally, appearing both in recital and with orchestras. The ensemble’s debut performance at New York City’s 92nd Street Y, presented as part of the Art of the Guitar series, received widespread acclaim. 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!!!”

In addition to performing and recording, the CGQ is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of guitarists through clinics, masterclasses, and private instruction.

While the ensemble’s personnel has evolved over the years, its commitment to a core artistic mission remains unchanged: presenting chamber music at the highest level. The CGQ’s programs combine imaginative arrangements of classical masterworks with compelling original works for guitar quartet, many composed by past and present members of the ensemble. Their engaging repertoire, exceptional virtuosity, and warm rapport with audiences make every Canadian Guitar Quartet performance a memorable musical experience.

The Canadian Guitar Quartet proudly performs on Knobloch strings.

Steve Cowan, described as “an elegant musician with a strong, crisp sense of rhythm” (American Record Guide), 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 has established an international reputation as a performer and educator since winning the Guitar Foundation of America International Competition. He is in demand for solo recitals, chamber music collaborations, concerto appearances, and masterclasses, and has performed at festivals throughout Canada, the United States, and Mexico. He has also appeared in concert series presented by numerous guitar societies and arts organizations.

As a recording artist, Ducharme has released acclaimed recordings with Naxos, including a recording recognized as CD of the Month by La Scena Musicale. He also recorded a DVD for Mel Bay featuring the premiere recordings of works by Canadian composer Maxime McKinley, and has contributed to several collaborative recording projects.

An active and dedicated teacher, Ducharme has been a member of the faculty at McGill University since 2011. In 2019, he joined the Conservatoire de Musique de Montréal, where he continues to mentor the next generation of guitarists. His students have earned top prizes in competitions and have gone on to successful professional careers.

Jérôme performs on a guitar built by René Wilhelmy.

Christ Habib is a passionate young musician whose perseverance, discipline, and enthusiasm point toward a bright and promising career.

Over the years, he has distinguished himself as a performer in numerous national and international competitions. In 2020, he was named to CBC’s 30 Under 30 Artists list and made his debut with the National Arts Centre Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Alexander Shelley, performing Canadian composer Jacques Hétu’s Concerto for Guitar and String Orchestra, Op. 56.

After twelve years of study at the Conservatoire de musique de Gatineau under the guidance of Patrick Roux, Christ completed his Master’s degree, earning a unanimous Prize in Chamber Music and a Distinction for his final recital. He has also pursued advanced training with renowned artists and educators through programs including the Boston International Guitar Academy and the Guitar Study Programs at Domaine Forget.

Christ currently maintains a private teaching studio and performs on a guitar crafted by Canadian luthier Douglass Scott.
www.christhabib.com 

Louis Trépanier

Over a career spanning more than three decades, Louis Trépanier has distinguished himself as a seasoned chamber musician, occasional soloist, dedicated pedagogue, composer, and arranger, bringing his characteristic energy and sensitivity to every endeavor.

A founding member of the Canadian Guitar Quartet and Trio Tangere, he has performed on three continents and served as a judge at both national and international competitions. Through these ensembles and numerous other collaborations, he has earned a reputation for artistic excellence and versatility.

Louis completed his formal musical training in 1998 at the Conservatoire de Musique de Hull with Patrick Roux. He further refined his artistry through masterclasses and collaborative projects with leading musicians from around the world.

Since 2002, he has taught at the University of Ottawa’s School of Music, where he serves as Coordinator of the Guitar Sector. Louis performs on a custom seven-string guitar built by Jean Rompré.