Esther Hwang
First Violin
Korean-Canadian violinist Esther Hwang is the founder and first violinist of the LOVUR String Quartet. A graduate of The Juilliard School, she has performed as a soloist with orchestras across Canada and studied with world-renowned artists such as James Ehnes and David Finckel. Esther won first place as first violinist in Canada’s National Music Festival chamber category and has performed at top festivals including Heifetz, Aspen, and Banff. Her artistic vision, leadership, and creative direction have helped shape LOVUR’s identity as a forward-thinking, genre-blending quartet.
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David Lee
Second Violin
David Lee is a versatile violinist whose work spans orchestral, solo, and chamber performance. He recently served as Associate Concertmaster at the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival in Germany, performing at venues such as the Elbphilharmonie and collaborating with artists like Lang Lang. A graduate of The Glenn Gould School, David has trained under Paul Kantor and Barry Shiffman and regularly performs with orchestras across British Columbia. As an educator and conductor, he inspires young musicians while bringing precision and musical depth to the LOVUR String Quartet.
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Luci Barz
Viola
Romanian-born violist Luci Barz blends classical refinement with a love of traditional folk roots. He studied viola under Marina Thibeault at the University of British Columbia, where he completed his Master’s in Performance, and has performed in international festivals and masterclasses with leading artists. Luci is a dedicated teacher and community advocate who brings warmth, depth, and lyrical expressiveness to every performance. As the violist of the LOVUR String Quartet, he anchors the group’s sound with rich musicality and heartfelt interpretation.
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Allen Zhou
Cello
Allen Zhou is a Vancouver-based cellist recognized for his sensitive playing and strong collaborative spirit. He holds a Master’s in Cello Performance from the University of Montreal and has performed with the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra, Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra, and Vancouver Island Symphony. Allen is also an experienced chamber musician and educator, committed to sharing his passion for music with audiences and students alike. As the cellist of the LOVUR String Quartet, his expressive phrasing and solid foundation help shape the quartet’s emotional and resonant sound.
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