Introducing James Moat

Beginning May 16, 2012, Canadian violinist James Moat will join the Skyros Quartet. We are thrilled to have his talent join our ensemble as we head off to Lincoln, Nebraska. James and Justin met at Wilfrid Laurier University (Waterloo, Ontario), where they studied violin together under Jerzy Kaplanek. After auditioning several candidates last fall, we invited James to become our new second violinist.

Recently employed as a section violinist with the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra, James Moat has also played regularly with the Kitchener/Waterloo, Sudbury, Ottawa, Kingston, Gatineau and National Academy orchestras. An avid traveler, James ventured overseas to pursue a Masters degree at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance in Limerick, Ireland. The year provided James with several exciting opportunities, including performances abroad in Paris and Amsterdam, and a research trip to visit the home of Jean Sibelius in Finland.

Prior to receiving his Masters degree, James spent a year studying at the Interlochen Arts Academy under Paul Sonner, and he worked with Jerzy Kaplanek of the Penderecki String Quartet to earn his Bachelor of Music from Wilfrid Laurier University. James spent his summers partaking in various music festivals, including Casalmaggiore, Meadowmount, and International School for Musical Arts founded by Atis Bankas of the TSO. He also spent several summers playing with Boris Brott's National Academy Orchestra in Hamilton, Ontario. James is a native of Calgary, Alberta.