Sunday, May 26, 2013

Franz and Ignaz Lachner - Last Defender of Classical String Quartet

The history of classical music did not even blinked to the present of one family of composer / conductor once lived in Rain am Lech, a town in Bavarian territory near Danube Lake. It was the Lachner family, whom get the greatest fame by three brothers, Franz Lachner, Ignaz and the youngest Vincent Lachner. They were children of Anton Lachner. The father, Anton, was an organist to local church and repair clock and watch as part of living. The timeline was between 1756, the year Anton Lachner born (then die in 1820) up to year 1895 where Ignaz passed away. Story continued, Anton Lachner (1756-1820)  was very poor. To your information, he not only has three talented children, but a total of , yes, eighteen children. These are from his two marriages, just to clarify. The house in Rain, described as a 'hut' rather than a house by Ignaz in later date. The house did not has a basement and when the rain poured it was a total mess and smelly. Papa Anton teach music to all his children with discipline. They were poor but managed to learn musical instruments without even have the instruments. No piano in the living room. Papa Anton painted the bench with black and white to symbolized piano tuts. Thus the children will able to learn the fingering. In the weekend Papa will bring them to 'test' their skill in real organ, whom the children can't wait their turn.

This touching story came with happy ending. One of oldest children, Franz Lachner (2 April 1803 – 20 January 1890) is the top alumni. Success begin when he was getting an audition for an organist in Lutheran church in Vienna, then get the job, even Franz was a Catholic. This good job landed him good circle of musician friends in Vienna. Franz Schubert as example, will continue become Franz's closed friend. They will discussed music together, exchanging idea in composition and performing together in the morning. Franz Lachner later success landed a job as conductor for Kapellmeister in Mainnheim and later peak in Munich. He will be there for another thirty years before the rise of Wagnerism and Modern German diminished his work. Franz Lachner composed a lot of works mainly in the tradition of German / Vienna Classical greats, Haydn, Mozart and Schubert. The rise of Modern German was the reason for the neglected of Lachner family works, as written in essay found in booklet and internet. Once a time, modern guy Hans von Bullow conducted Beethoven in his modern style of conducting and then asked Franz for opinion. "Well, mr Lachner did the orchestra performed beautifully this evening, don't you think?" in which Franz promptly replied, "Of course, this that I directed for thirty damn years cannot possibly destroyed in the two months that you have been working with it". von Bullow was the successor to Franz later and succesfully succession the musical landscape of German with modernist. Making Lachner family works unperformed completely.

Robert Schumann made him the most talented and knowledged composer in the Southern area. Tchaikovsky reviewed some of his work and expressed similar admiration. When asked to Franz, "Are you an adherent to Brahms or Wagner?" The maestro said "I am neither, I am myself!".

Franz Lachner composed at least seven string quartet. One not published,  but the other six was in printed. Today the Rodin Quartet help us resurrected the pieces in a well recorded three volume of Franz Lachner string quartets, as well as four volumes of Ignaz Lachner's. Three quartets Op.75,76,77 was published in 1843 while the other three followed up six years later in 1849. There is one quartet in E flat written in Vienna 1829 unpublished.

I most favorite the quartet in B minor op.75. The whole pieces set in minor key produced beautiful melody. The connection between movement and repeated theme make this quartet a memorable piece. Then the elegant Quartet in G op.169 also a strong one. Third movement the Largo is very elegant with epic opening theme.


Franz Lachner String Quartet - Rodin Quartet - Volume 1 - BUY AT AMAZON
01. String Quartet Em op. 173 : I. Allegro moderato [08:12]
02. String Quartet Em op. 173 : II. Adagio non troppo [06:58]
03. String Quartet Em op. 173 : III. Scherzo. Allegro vivace [05:07]
04. String Quartet Em op. 173 : IV. Finale. Allegretto [11:21]
05. String Quartet G op. 169 : I. Allegretto [08:52]
06. String Quartet G op. 169 : II. Menuetto. Allegro assai [06:47]
07. String Quartet G op. 169 : III. Largo [07:52]
08. String Quartet G op. 169 : IV. Finale. Allegro vivavce [06:55]

Franz Lachner String Quartet - Rodin Quartet - Volume 2 - BUY AT AMAZON
01. String Quartet in D minor, op.120 - I. Adagio - Allegro non troppo [11:06]
02. String Quartet in D minor, op.120 - II. Andante quasi Adagio [06:38]
03. String Quartet in D minor, op.120 - III. Scherzo. Allegro assai [04:10]
04. String Quartet in D minor, op.120 - IV. Finale. Allegro agitato [07:25]
05. String Quartet in A major, op.76 - I. Allegro [09:55]
06. String Quartet in A major, op.76 - II. Adagio [07:21]
07. String Quartet in A major, op.76 - III. Scherzo. Allegro vivace [04:56]
08. String Quartet in A major, op.76 - IV. Allegro [07:42]

Franz Lachner String Quartet - Rodin Quartet - Volume 3 - BUY AT AMAZON
01. String Quartet in B minor, op.75 - I. Allegro moderato [10:44]
02. String Quartet in B minor, op.75 - II. Adagio quasi Andante [08:37]
03. String Quartet in B minor, op.75 - III. Scherzo. Allegro assai [04:27]
04. String Quartet in B minor, op.75 - IV. Finale. Allegro agitato [06:03]
05. String Quartet in E flat major, op.77 - I. Allegretto [11:22]
06. String Quartet in E flat major, op.77 - II. Minuetto. Allegretto [04:01]
07. String Quartet in E flat major, op.77 - III. Andante [08:08]
08. String Quartet in E flat major, op.77 - IV. Allegro vivace [09:18]

Ignaz Lachner (September 11, 1807 – February 24, 1895) career in music was rather easier after his brother Franz pioneer the path in the musical capital Vienna. Ignaz was better in violin. He was a prodigy but Papa Anton wanted him to be a teacher and public servant, thus sending him to Grammar school. Ignaz would later not able to hold his desired to become professional and abandoned school in its four year. After the old man passed away, Ignaz will taking violin to the local virtuoso, none other than Bernard Molique (whom composed a number of string quartets as well.) In Vienna, with Franz introduction, Ignaz become friends with Abbe Stadler, Gyrowetz and Weigl. He also friend with the maestro Schubert, although not as close as his brother. Ignaz autobiography described his music career as " In 1827 I was hired as a viola player at the orchestra of the Royal Opera Theater, and in the autumn of 1829 I was made second conductor at the same theater, and in 1830 I was appointed first conductor, a position I held until September 1831". He was also substitute to his brother Franz post as organist in Lutheran Church. He then as Court Music Director at the Royal Theater of Wurttemberg in Stuttgart and peak perhaps as conductor of theater at Hamburg (1853-1858).

Ignaz  was slightly productive in term of string quartet writting. He composed seven standard string quartets, as well two string quartet with different instrument: in C for 3 violins and viola, then in G for 4 violins. His works are more later Romantic feel than his brother's. But still the majority fall into Classicism. Thus making these set of quartets again a neglected piece for hundred year, made by his music oppositions.


Ignaz Lachner String Quartet - Rodin Quartet - Volume 1 - BUY AT AMAZON
01. String Quartet in A, Op. 74 - I [12:23]
02. String Quartet in A, Op. 74 - II [12:27]
03. String Quartet in A, Op. 74 - III [03:36]
04. String Quartet in A, Op. 74 - IV [05:13]
05. String Quartet in Bb, Op. posth - I [07:30]
06. String Quartet in Bb, Op. posth - II [04:19]
07. String Quartet in Bb, Op. posth - III [06:23]
08. String Quartet in Bb, Op. posth - IV [06:53]

Ignaz Lachner String Quartet - Rodin Quartet - Volume 2 - BUY AT AMAZON
01. String Quartet in F, Op. 43 - I [10:36]
02. String Quartet in F, Op. 43 - II [11:45]
03. String Quartet in F, Op. 43 - III [05:47]
04. String Quartet in F, Op. 43 - IV [10:01]
05. String Quartet in Am, Op. 105 - I [06:08]
06. String Quartet in Am, Op. 105 - II [04:03]
07. String Quartet in Am, Op. 105 - III [02:18]
08. String Quartet in Am, Op. 105 - IV [04:11]

Ignaz Lachner String Quartet - Rodin Quartet - Volume 3 - BUY AT AMAZON
01. String Quartet C op. 54 - 1. Allegro moderato [10:37]
02. String Quartet C op. 54 - 2. Andantino [09:15]
03. String Quartet C op. 54 - 3. Scherzo. Presto [04:13]
04. String Quartet C op. 54 - 4. Allegretto quasi Andantino [12:18]
05. String Quartet G op. 104 - 1. Allegro ma non troppo [05:13]
06. String Quartet G op. 104 - 2. Andante grave [05:39]
07. String Quartet G op. 104 - 3. Allegro vivace [03:14]
08. String Quartet G op. 104 - 4. Allegro vivace [03:14]

Ignaz Lachner String Quartet - Rodin Quartet - Volume 4 - BUY AT AMAZON01. String Quartet in G major op.51 - I. Allegro moderato [16:55]
02. String Quartet in G major op.51 - II. Andante con moto [12:31]
03. String Quartet in G major op.51 - III. Scherzo. Presto [06:43]
04. String Quartet in G major op.51 - IV. Finale. Allegro vivace [12:13]
05. String Trio "Die gute alte Zeit" op.77 - I. Maestoso quasi Andantino [03:07]
06. String Trio "Die gute alte Zeit" op.77 - II. Andantino [03:30]
07. String Trio "Die gute alte Zeit" op.77 - III. Allegro giocoso [01:33]

Of the other brother and sister were, Vincent Lachner (19 July 1811 – 22 January 1893). He wrote two string quartets. The three of them can surely described as last defender of Classical era string quartet in the 19th century.


Vinzenz Lachner String Quartet - Rodin Quartet - BUY AT AMAZON
String Quartet in E flat Op.27 - I. Allegro
String Quartet in E flat Op.27 - II. Andantino
String Quartet in E flat Op.27 - III. Scherzo Allegro assai
String Quartet in E flat Op.27 - IV. Finale. Allegro gioioso
String Quartet in Dm Op. 36 - I. Allegro
String Quartet in Dm Op. 36 - II. Andante
String Quartet in Dm Op. 36 - III. Menuetto
String Quartet in Dm Op. 36 - IV. Finale. Allegro vivace

The other children that manage to become professional musician from the Lachner dynasty were : Theodore Lachner (1795-1877) an organist at two churches and assistant to the director of rehearsals at the royal theater. Thekla Lachner (1801-1869) organist at two churches, Christina Lachner (1805-1858) also an organist.

sources: the CD booklets and internet researches.


    
the Lachner string quartets - recorded by Rodin String Quartet

Sunday, May 19, 2013

List of Ignaz Pleyel String Quartets (Ben 301 - 370)

Ignaz Pleyel, born 1757 up to 1837, was perhaps one of most successful Classical Era composer during those times. Apart from being Haydn pupils, he continuously enjoy popularity for his works,  whether a concertos and chamber music. In chamber music he wrote about 84 quartets and 70 of them are in string quartets form, Dr. Rita Benton thematic catalog well documented those in Ben 301 - 370. His string quartets received praises as early as his Op.1 Ben 301. The admirers are none other than Mozart himself. Mozart wrote a letter to his father urged the senior to take a copy of the Pleyel's works because it is worth while, at the same letter praise Haydn as Pleyel's tutor and express good word to have Pleyel rise to fame replacing Haydn.

Pictures of Pleyel Piano Manufacturer

Of the seventy string quartets, unfortunately some are missing or incomplete. This is an ironic because Pleyel main business is not composing but an entrepreneur in score publishing. His publishing office portfolios included all Haydn's string quartets, Hummel's, Beethoven, Mozart and Boccherini's. His company flag was named Chez Pleyel. Yet, somehow not all his works are published, including his legacy in string quartet genre are not yet fully discovered.

Pleyel popularity has been enjoying an increased recently. His works begin to spurred out of recording label and many works had been recorded. His string quartets also begin to received attention from listeners and scholars. Several disc had been released. This article  try to listed out the available recording of his string quartets. In the hope that someday we will able to listen a full discography of Pleyel string quartets works. The Pleyel string quartets are the true forgotten string quartets!

List of Ignaz Pleyel String Quartets (Ben 301 - 370)

to buy at Amazon, click on the links

Op.1 - 1782-84
301 String Quartet in C major
302 String Quartet in E ♭ major
303 String Quartet in A major incomplete
304 String Quartet in B♭ major incomplete
305 String Quartet in G major
306 String Quartet in D major
notes: this is the quartets Mozart got in hand with. Pleyel noted that the quartet written in Italy style, neither complicated in terms of execution, nor as profound in artistic senses.

Op.2 - dedicated to Joseph Hayden 1784
307 String Quartet in A major - recorded by Enso String Quartet Vol.1
308 String Quartet in C major
309 String Quartet in G minor - also recorded by the Schein String Quartet* (see comments section below)
310 String Quartet in E♭ major - recorded by Enso String Quartet Vol.2
311 String Quartet in B♭ major
312 String Quartet in D major


Enso String Quartet in Op.2 Ben 307-312 - NAXOS

314 String Quartet in A major 1785
315 String Quartet in E minor 1785
316 String Quartet in C major 1785
317 String Quartet in E♭ major 1785
318 String Quartet in D major 1785

Op.6 - see score
313 String Quartet in B♭ major 1785  
319 String Quartet in C major 1786
320 String Quartet in G major 1786
321 String Quartet in F major 1786
322 String Quartet in A major 1786
323 String Quartet in B♭ major 1786
324 String Quartet in D major 1786

325 String Quartet in E♭major 1786
326 String Quartet in B♭ major 1786
327 String Quartet in A major 1786 
328 String Quartet in C major 1786
329 String Quartet in G major 1786
330 String Quartet in F major 1786

dedicated to the King of Prussia (Friedrich Wilhelm II) 1786
331 String Quartet in B♭ major - Op.8 (Artaria) ; Op.9 Book 1 (Forster) 
332 String Quartet in G major - Op.8 (Artaria) ; Op.9 Book 1 (Forster) 
333 String Quartet in D minor - Op.8 (Artaria) ; Op.9 Book 1 (Forster) 

334 String Quartet in C major - recorded by Pleyel Quartet Koln
335 String Quartet in A major
336 String Quartet in E♭ major

337 String Quartet in D major - recorded by Pleyel Quartett Koln
338 String Quartet in F major
339 String Quartet in G minor

Pleyel Quartett Koln - Pleyel String Quartet Ben 334-339 - CPO


340 String Quartet in G major - Op.11 - recorded by Quartetto Luigi Tomasini
341 String Quartet in C minor - Op.11
342 String Quartet in D major - Op.11


Quartetto Luigi Tomasini - Pleyel String Quartet Ben 340-342 - HUNGAROTON

343 String Quartet in F major 1788 
344 String Quartet in A major 1788
345 String Quartet in F major 1788

Dedicated to the Prince of Wales 1788
346 String Quartet in C major
347 String Quartet in F major
348 String Quartet in E♭ major
349 String Quartet in G major
350 String Quartet in B♭ major
351 String Quartet in A major

352 String Quartet in E♭ major 1788 - recorded by Janacek Quartet (together with String Sextet in F major, Ben 261, String Quintet in G minor, Ben 287)




Dedicated to the King of Naples 1791
353 String Quartet in C major 1791
354 String Quartet in B♭ major 1788
355 String Quartet in E minor 1791
356 String Quartet in G major 1791
357 String Quartet in A major 1791
358 String Quartet in F minor 1791

359 String Quartet in F major 1792
360 String Quartet in B♭ major 1792
361 String Quartet in D major 1792
362 String Quartet in E♭ major 1792
363 String Quartet in G major 1792
364 String Quartet in E major 1792

Op.67 (Andre) / Op.42 (Artaria) - Dedicated to Luigi Boccherini
365 String Quartet in C major 1803 - recorded by Janacek Quartet
366 String Quartet in B♭ major 1803
367 String Quartet in F minor 1803

Dedicated to Giovanni Batttista Viotti - 1810
368 String Quartet in E♭ major - recorded by Janacek Quartet
369 String Quartet in D major

370 String Quartet in G minor

Janacek Quartet - Pleyel String Quartet Ben 365-370 in two volumes - Ars Production

Monday, May 13, 2013

Beethoven String Quartets Releases 2013

It's never as entertaining as listening to Beethoven's number with a new interpretation. Here some of new released around late 2012 to 2013, some of new ensembles and also those quartet who had been around.

New Zealand String Quartet - Beethoven Op.59 no.2 and no.3 - Buy AMAZON 




Right from New Zealand, the quartet ambitiously performed the full cycle of Beethoven's String Quartet on their recent set. Two of the number, Op.59 no.2 in E minor and  Op.59 no.3 in C were recorded by Atoll label. As for trivia news, earlier this year their first violinist suffered serious injury.







Ysaye Quartet - Beethoven Op. 18 no3 , Op.74 'Harp', Op.135 - Buy AMAZON



This is an interesting coupling from Ysaye Quartet / Quatuor Ysaye. The choice of Beethoven's Early quartet No.3 in D Op.18/3, then the middle Op.74 'Harp' and to final in Op.135 in F. Those who looking for fine interpretation of Beethoven and wanted to examine the contrast between each phase will find this CD helpful. Ysaye Quartet announced their disbanding plan in future 2014, so this might be added another valuable factor to the CD.






Valentine Berlinsky Quartet - Shostakovich String Quartet No.3 Op.73, Beethoven 'Rasumovsky' Op.59 No.2 - Buy from AMAZON

This quartet based in Zurich coupling Beethoven with Shostakovich. Both composers provided pinnacle output in chamber music on their respective time era, so why not comparing both in one CD. The package comes in two plates: CD 1 - Shostakovich no.7 in F sharp minor, no.8 in C minor and Beethoven Op.59 no.1 in F. Then the second CD released in 2013 is Shostakovich no.3 in F and Beethoven Op.59 no.2 in E minor. The Rasumovsky quartets Op.59 looks like an evergreen popular of quartet to being covered in 2013.






Talich Quartet - Complete Beethoven String Quartet (Boxset 2013) - Buy From Amazon

Begin in 2012, Talich Quartet set to clean their stock with warehouse sale of all re-released back catalog. Beethoven complete string quartets got it chances for being released in early 2013 (Amazon). This historical boxset recorded from 1977 - 1981, so expect the vintage recording sounds. The package is in seven CDs.









Suske String Quartet - Complete Beethoven String Quartet (Brilliant Classic, 2013) - Buy From Amazon

And if you prefer the budget Brilliant Classics boxset, here is the latest cheap box for Beethoven. Played by Suske String Quartet, which is little known. The boxset is only USD 9.99. Even amazing, this is also part of ultimate complete Beethoven boxset.









Belcea String Quartet - Complete Beethoven String Quartet Vol.1 - Buy from Amazon

This is a new Beethoven cycle recorded in our time by Belcea String Quartet. Recorded around 2011, Belcea then followed with their ambitious project to concert all Beethoven number on stage. The CD been divided into volumes, and we only received volume 1 in 4 CDs for now.
CD 1 - Quartet No. 6 in B flat major, Op. 18 No. 6 - Quartet No. 12 in E flat major, Op. 127
 CD 2 - Quartet No. 2 in G Op. 18 No. 2 - Quartet No.9 in C Op. 59 No. 3 'Rasumovsky No. 3'
 CD 3 - Quartet No. 11 in F minor Op. 95 'Serioso' - Quartet No. 14 in C sharp minor, Op. 131
 CD 4 - Quartet No. 1 in F Op. 18 No. 1 - Quartet No. 4 in C minor, Op. 18 No. 4
for detail preview see this blog entry

Brentano String Quartet - Beethoven Late Quartets Op.127 Op.131, Op.132, Op.135 - Amazon

Brentano String Quartet focused on Beethoven's Late quartets, the music is official soundtrack on the movie "A Late Quartet". Beethoven's late quartet are main theme in the movie. Brentano made this a classic and did not turn this into too movie orientated. Two CDs, first on String Quartet No. 12 Op.127 in Eb and Quartet No.14 Op. 131 in C sharp minor. Then Quartet No. 15 in A minor Op.132 and No.16 in F major Op.135. Interesting the movie avoid the over exposed GroBe Fugue Op.133, which is a good thing. Cellist Nina Lee making a move in the movie as cameo.





Quartetto di Cremona - Complete Beethoven String Quartet Vol. 1 - Buy From Amazon

Now the Italian also injected some new air for Beethoven. This fresh interpretation from Quartetto di Cremona do String Quartet No.6 in B flat major Op.18-6, No.11 in F minor Op.95 'Seriosa', and no.16 in F major, Op. 135. So, another interesting coupling with all Beethoven's era in one CD. Ultimately the choices is also interesting, seeing Quartet No.6 which is widely considered a light piece to concluded Op.18 and then move to Seriousa and the ultimate No.16 in F. The Quartet had been touring world wide, so they are experience enough to tackle these pieces into recording. The Label is Audite.





Hagen String Quartet - Beethoven Op.18 No.3 , Op.18 No.5 , Op. 135 - Buy From Amazon

This is yet another fresh recording from Hagen String Quartet. As experiences as they are, the choices are the earliest Beethoven quartets, Quartet No.3 in D Op.18 No.3, Quartet No.5 in A , then gone to the final Op.135 in F. Hagen put Beethoven cycle on stage in season 2012/13 in Paris, New York, Tokyo and then recorded these three pieces in between. This is also their 30th anniversary season, marked the move to new Label Myrios, instead of long time DG label.







Chiaroscuro Quartet - Beethoven Op. 95 'Serioso', Mozart K.546 Adagio and Fugue in C minor, K.428 Quartet No.16 in Eb - Buy From Amazon

Chiaroscuro Quartet hailed from London, newly formed in 2005. The most important information here is, they are playing on period instruments. So this make it interesting for Beethoven 'Serioso' to get fresh listening on period instrument. To make it more Classical, two Mozart number were added. The Haydn Quartet, Mozart K.428 is perfect companion, then the 'filler' K.546 is interesting to get known. Check this fresh artist CD. It's published by well known Harmonia Mundi label.





Gurzenich Quartet - Beethoven Op.18 No.5, Brahms String Quartet No. 2 in A minor, Op. 51 - Buy From Amazon

The googling tells us Gurzenich Quartet is already established since 1888! They are the string quartet form of the the Gürzenich-Orchestra. Today's incarnation of the quartet recorded the sample of their masterful interpretation, the chosen repertoire is Beethoven No.5 in A major Op.18 no.5, then Brahms String Quartet No.2 in A minor Op.51. Both works actually coming from different styles, the late Classical Beethoven and Romanticism of Brahms. So, it's an interesting coupling as well. The back cover however tells this is dated 2010.






Allegri String Quartet - Beethoven Op.18 No.3, Op.18 No.4, Op.18 No.5 - Buy It HERE AMAZON

Founded in 1953 by Eli Goren, William Pleeth, Patrick Ireland and James Barton, the Allegri Quartet is Britain's longest-running chamber music ensemble, sustained over six decades by successive generations of the finest international performers. That's what the website tells us about Allegri String Quartet. Surely this make Beethoven early Op.18 recording worth to examined. They cover three set of quartet from the Opus, no.3 in D, No.4 in C minor and No.5 in A. The label is Vivat music and the "Volume 1" suggest it will has another volume in the future.






Miro Quartet - Beethoven Op.59 - Buy it HERE at AMAZON

The 1996 Fischoff winner (and also plenty others), Miro Quartet set another recording of Beethoven. This time the Razumovsky are presented in complete set. All Razumovsky Op.59 no.1 in F, Op.59 no.2 in E minor and Op.59 no.3 in C got a new touch under this experience quartets. They had previously put all Op.18 in recording by Vanguard Label. This Op.59 will be released under Longhorn music.

Saturday, May 11, 2013

International Bordeaux String Quartet Competition 2013

Schumann Quartett just awarded first prize at International Bordeaux String Quartet Competition 2013. The competition runs in May 2013 finished on Saturday, 11th May 2013. Hail from Cologne Germany,  Schumann Quartett consist of  Erik Schumann, violin, Ken Schumann, violin, Liisa Randalu, viola and
 Mark Schumann, cello. They were recipient of several awards included, first prize at the International Schubert and Modern Music Competition (Austria). In 2011, they were amongst the prizewinners at the renowned Paolo Borciani Competition (Italy) and the Osaka International Chamber Music Competition (Japan). They will try another luck in BANFF String Quartet competition 2013.

Concluded winners International Bordeaux String Quartet Competition 2013:

FIRST GRAND PRIX - 20,000 euros
Schumann Quartet - Website
Magnum Château Pétrus and Château Lafite Rothschild

SECOND PRIZE - 10,000 euros
Ellipse Quartet
Magnum Château d'Yquem and Chateau Haut Brion

PRICE XXth century (2nd Test) - 5000 euros
Ellipse Quartet
Schumann Quartett

Prices of Palazzetto Bru Zane - 3000 euros
(Best Execution Quartet opus 16 Alberic Magnard)
Ellipse Quartet

Prices of Musical Youth'' Deutschland''
Dudok Quartet / Dudok Kwartet
Magnum Château Cheval Blanc

PRICE'' International Summer Academy for Chamber Music Niedersachsen''
Tesla Quartet - Magnum Château Mouton Rothschild
Capriccio Quartet
Girard Quartet
Quartet Sun

Jean-François Moueix trophy sculpted by Abram
Schumann Quartet
Quartet Ellipse
Dudok Quartet
Quartet Tesla.

The Seventh International Bordeaux String Quartet Competition is on the way today. Four finalist had been announced to finish the event in final performance.

- Tesla String quartet (USA)
   Ross Snyder - Michelle Lie ( violons) - Megan Mason - Kimberly Patterson 


- Dudok Kwartet (Netherland)
   Judith van Driel - Marleen Wester ( violons) - Mark Mulder - David Faber 


- Quatuor Ellipse (French)

   Lyodoh Kaneko - Young-Eun Koo ( violons) - Allan Swieton - Florent Carrière 

- Schumann Quartett (Germany)
   Erik Schumann - Ken Schumann ( violons ) - Liisa Randalu - Mark Schumann


 ... are going  to play A. Magnard Quartet Op.16 and choices of Mozart Prussians Quartets (K.575,589,590) on Saturday May 11th 2013, location Auditorium Bordeaux.

The official website is HERE

Schumann Quartett (Germany)

Tesla String Quartet (USA)

Dudok Kwartet (Netherland)

For List of String Quartet Competition visit my other Blog entry HERE

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition 2013 - Schedules

The Fischoff National Chamber Association is ready to begin their chamber music competition by today. The competition is a strong events, prestigious through the nation and hold long history since the '80s. The competition all resume today Friday 10th May 2013. The schedules extracted from the official Program Book is listed below. The string quartet section is also detailed for the Senior Division below. Fischoff to celebrated their 40th anniversary in running. The event had been won by numerous string quartet ensemble we familiar today such as Miami String Quartet, Miro String Quartet, Ariel String Quartet, Jupiter String Quartet, Avalon, the Fry Street and many others. Rest of the world enthusiast can follow the action at official Youtube channel.

The avenue for the competition is on the campus of the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana, USA. Website

Winner of Fischoff 2013:
Sunday May 12th, 2013

Senior String Division:
Omer Quartet - 1st Prize
Wasmuth String Quartet - 2nd
Trio Concorde - 3rd

Senior Wind Division:
Project Fusion - 1st
Kenari Quartet - 2nd
The Midic Winds - 3rd

Junior Division:
Quartet Lumiére - 1st
Mazel Trio - 2nd
Quartet Morina - 3rd


SEMIFINALIST of Fischoff 2013:
Saturday May 11, 2013

Ensemble Performance Time

W5 Project Fusion 8:30 – 8:50 a.m.
W6 Echo Quartet 8:55 – 9:15 a.m.
W1 Kenari Quartet 9:20 – 9:40 a.m.
W3 Trio Auloi 9:45 - 10:05 a.m.
W8 The Midic Winds 10:10 – 10:30 a.m.
W9 The Fawn Trio 10:35 – 10:55 a.m.

20 Minute Break - winds conclude; strings begin.

S12Trio Concorde 10:40 11:15 – 11:35 a.m.
S9 Trio Cleonice 11:40 – Noon
S8 Wasmuth String Quartet 12:05 p.m. – 12:25 p.m.
S5 Omer Quartet 12:30 – 12:50 p.m.
S4 Quartet Senza Misura 12:55 – 1:15 p.m.
S10 Kubrick Quartet 1:20 – 1:40 p.m.

Omer String Quartet - Winner of Fischoff 2013

For List of String Quartet Competitions Worldwide visit this blog entry

disclaimer: This blog do not belong to the official Fischoff organizer, this blog is purely for practical informations only. Please refer to the official website and their detail Program Book.

Monday, May 6, 2013

List of String Quartet Competition and Winners

There are many string quartet competitions, here I try to listed those notables one. The winners / laureates are to be completed as the time goes. Please contribute if possible.

updated: 17 Aug 2018

The Carl Nielsen International Chamber Music Competition Copenhagen - website

Competition for string quartet and wind quintet

2015
1st - Quatuor Arod (France)
2nd - Quartet Berlin-Tokyo
3rd - Cosmos Quartet

Concours de Geneva - The Geneva Competition
website

RESULTS OF THE 2016 STRING QUARTET FINAL

First Prize - Vision String Quartet (Germany)
Second Prize - Quatuor Hanson (France)
Third Prize - Abel Quartet (South Korea)
Audience Prize - Vision String Quartet (Germany)
Young Audience Prize - Vision String Quartet (Germany)

Admission for 2016 string quartet competition - ON GOING NOVEMBER 2016!
Past Laureates

Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition
Organized by Chamber Music Australia
http://www.chambermusicaustralia.com.au/competitions/micmc/prizes/


STRING QUARTET PRIZES 2018

1st Prize – The Robert Salzer Foundation Prize ($30,000)
Goldmund Quartett (Germany)

2nd Prize – The Evans Dixon Prize ($20,000)
Eliot Quartett (Austria/Russia/Germany)

3rd Prize – The Laura Brown Prize ($10,000)
Callisto Quartet (USA)

The Audience Prize for String Quartet ($8,000) (supported by the Druce family in memory of Peter Druce)
Baum Quartett (South Korea)

Quartet Commission Prize – Best Performance of Holly Harrison’s New Work ($4,000) (supported by the Silo Collective)
Goldmund Quartett (Germany)

The next Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition will be held in 2015 from 11-19 July.

2011 6th Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition:
Amaryllis Quartet - Grand Prize
Kelemen Kvartett
Attaca Quartet (USA)

2007 5th Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition:
Badke String Quartet (UK) : 1st Prize, Peter Druce Audience Prize
Navarra Quartet (UK) : 2nd Prize
Ardeo String Quartet (France) : 3rd Prize

2003 4th Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition:
(the website listed an identical winners to 1999 edition, so there must be a mistake)

1999 3rd Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition:
Paizo Quartet (Denmark) - 1st
Cremona Quartet (Italy) - 2nd
Tankstream Quartet - 3rd , Audience Prize

1995 2nd Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition:
Vertavo String Quartet (Norway) - 1st, Audience Prize
Veronika String Quartet (Russia) - 2nd
Yggdrasil String Quartet (Sweden) - 3rd

1991 1st Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition:
St Petersburg Quartet (formerly Leningrad String Quartet, USSR) - 1st
St Lawrence String Quartet (Canada) - 2nd
lark Quartet (USA) - 3rd

Asia Pacific Chamber Music Competition

2013 Asia Pacific Chamber Music Competition:
AMBER QUARTET from China - 1st Prize
ORAVA QUARTET from Australia - Audience Prize

2009 Asia-Pacific Chamber Music Competition:
Hamer Quartet
Tasman String Quartet

2005 Australian Chamber Music Competition:
TinAlley String Quartet

Trondheim International Chamber Music Competition
previously only compete in String Trio but from year 2013, string quartet is included. Based in Norway
http://www.ticc.no/main.asp?MenuID=4665

2017
Maxwell Quartet

2014 is for Piano Trio competition

2013 7th Trondheim International Chamber Music Competition
Van Kuijk Quartet - 1st
Idomeneo String Quartet - 2nd
Jubilee Quartet - 3rd

Osaka International Chamber Music Competition
String Quartet, Piano Trio and free duo instrumental combination as their competition section www.jcmf.or.jp

2017
String Quartet
First Prize        Aizuri Quartet        (USA)
Second Prize       Ulysses Quartet       (USA)
Third Prize        Viano String Quartet  (USA)

2014 8th Osaka International Chamber Music Competition
Arcadia Quartet (Romania) - 1st
Cavaleri Quartet (UK) - 2nd
Wasmuth Quartet (USA) - 3rd

2011 7th Osaka International Chamber Music Competition
Attacca Quartet (USA) - 1st
Schumann Quartett (Germany) - 2nd
Verus String Quartet (Japan / Swiss) - 3rd

2008 6th Osaka International Chamber Music Competition
Doric String Quartet (UK) - 1st
Cecilia String Quartet (Canada) - 2nd
Galatea Quartet (Galatea) - 3rd
Novus Quartet (S.Korea) - 3rd

International "Joseph Haydn" Chamber Music Competition
String Quartet and Piano Trio - OFFICIAL WEBSITE

2015
Abel Quartet - shared 1st
Pacific Quartet Vienna - shared 1st
   - 2nd winner not awarded -
Tesla Quartet - 3rd

2012
Quartuor Zaide - 1st
Gémeaux Quartet - 2nd
Novus String Quartet - 4rd

ARD International Music Competition Munich
very long tradition from 1950s, a lot of music form and string quartet is one of them

2014
string quartet was absent, instead wind quartet, violoncello and other form take place in this year

2012
Armida Quartet (Germany) - 1st
Novus String Quartet (S.Korea) - 2nd
Calidore String Quartet (Canada/USA) - 3rd

2008
Apollon Musagete Quartet (Poland) - 1st
Afiara String Quartet (Canada) - 2nd
Gemeaux Quartett (Germany / Swiss) - 3rd
Verus String Quartet (Japan) - 3rd

2004
Quatuor Ebene (French) - 1st
Faust Quartett (Germany) - 2nd
Quatuor Benaim (Israel / Frankreich) - 3rd

2000
Avalon Quartett (Canada /USA) - 2nd
Quartetto Prometeo (Italy ) - 3rd

1996
Artemis Quartet (Germany/Russia) - 1st
Quatuor Castagneri (Romania) - 3rd

1991
Mandelring Quartet (Germany) - 2nd
Neues Leipziger Streichquartett (Germnay) - 2nd

1987
Parisii Quartett (French) - 1st
Petersen Quartet (DDR) - 2nd

1982
Havlak Quartett (CSSR) - 2nd
Auryn Quartett (BRD) - 3rd
Chester Quartett (USA) - 3rd

1977
Eder Quartett (USA) - 2nd
International String Quartet (USA) - 3rd
Polnisches Streichquartett (Poland) - 3rd

1973
Academica Quartett (Romania) - 2nd
Robert Schumann Quartett (BRD) - 3rd
Wilanow Quartett (Poland) - 3rd

1970
Tokyo String Quartet (Japan) - 1st
Schischlov Quartett (USSR) - 3rd

1965
Dimov Quartett (Bulgaria) - 1st
Bernede Quartett (French) - 2nd
University of Southern California String Quartet (USA) - 3rd

1959
Weiner Quartett (Ungarn) - 2nd
Weller Quartett (Osterreich) - 2nd
sources http://www.br.de/radio/br-klassik-english/ard-music-competition/prize-winners/index.html

International Franz Schubert and Modern Music Competition
Piano and Voice, Piano and Violin, String Quartet (started 1997)

1st Prize € 18.000.- donated by the Province of Styria | Simply Quartet | Danfeng Shen, Violin (China) ■ Wenting Zhang, Violin (China) ■ Xiang Lyu, Viola (China) ■ Ivan Valentin Hollup Roald, Violoncello (Norway)
Simply Quartet

Advancement Prize  € 6.000.- donated by the Province of Styria

New Music Quartet
Katarzyna Gluza, Violin (Poland)
Paulina Marcisz, Violin (Poland)
Karalina Orsik-Sauter, Viola (Poland)
Dominika Szczypka, Violoncello (Poland)
New Music Quartet

The 2nd Prize and the 3rd Prize of the category “String Quartet” were not awarded

2015
1st Prize and Audience Prize : BELENUS QUARTETT (Switzerland / Germany)
2nd Prize : Quartetto Lyskamm (Italy)
3rd Prize : Quartet Berlin-Tokyo

2012
Schumann Quartett (Germany) - 1st
GÉMEAUX QUARTETT (French) - 2nd
Quatuor Varese (French) - 3rd

2009
Anima Quartet (Rusia) - 1st
Quatuor Voce (French) - 2nd
Amaryllis Quartett (Germany) - 3rd

2006
Minetti Quartet - 2nd
Rubens Quartett - 3rd

2003
Ariel Quartet (Israel) - 1st
Aviv Quartet (Israel) - 2nd
Twins Quartet (Russia) - 3rd
Quatuor Terpsycordes - Best Interpretation

2000
Quartetto Armonico (Japan) - 1st
Amar Quartett (Switzerland) - 2nd
Contempo (Romania) - 3rd

1997
Jerusalem Quartett (Israel) - 1st
Quinten Quartet (Russia) - 2nd


BANFF International String Quartet Competition
String Quartet competition at Alberta, Canada - website

next competition in 2019

2016
Rolston String Quartet (Canada)
Tesla String Quartet (USA, Korea, Russia)
Castalian Quartet (UK)

2013
The Dover String Quartet (USA)
Quatuor Cavatina (France)
Navarra Quartet (UK/Ireland/Netherlands)

2010
Cecilia String Quartet (Canada)
Afiara String Quartet (Canada)
Quatuor Zaïde (France)

2007
TinAlley String Quartet (Australia)
Zemlinksy Quartet (Czech Republic)
Ariel Quartet (U.S./Israel)
Tokai Quartet (Canada)

2004
Jupiter Quartet (U.S.)
Ensō Quartet (U.S.)
Royal String Quartet (Poland)
Fry Street Quartet (U.S.)

2001
Daedalus Quartet (U.S.)
Kuss Quartet (Germany)
Delancey Quartet (U.S.)
Quatuor Satie (France)

1998
Miró Quartet (U.S.)
Castagneri Quartet (France)
Belcea Quartet (United Kingdom)
Avalon Quartet (United States)

1995
Amernet Quartet (U.S.)
Everest Quartet (U.S.)
Henschel Quartett (Germany)
Montclaire Quartet (U.S.)

1992
St. Lawrence String Quartet (Canada)
Ying Quartet (U.S.)
Amati Quartet (Switzerland)
Mandelring Quartet (Germany)

1989
Quatuor Manfred (France)
Cassatt Quartet (U.S.)
Keller Quartet (Hungary)
Brindisi Quartet (England)

1986
Franciscan Quartet (U.S.)
Carmina Quartet (Switzerland)
Lark Quartet (U.S.)
Cavani Quartet (U.S.)

1983
Colorado Quartet (U.S.)
Hagen Quartet (Austria)
Lydian Quartet (U.S.)
Mendelssohn Quartet (U.S.)
Eder Quartet (Hungary)

Wigmore Hall London International String Quartet Competition
Formerly London International String Quartet competition

2018
First Prize: Esmé Quartet
Second Prize: Goldmund Quartett
Third Prize: Viano String Quartet 

2015 - results
First Prize - Van Kuijk Quartet
Joint Second - Verona Quartet , Piatti Quartet
Third - Aizuri Quartet

2012
Arcadia Quartet
Meccorre String Quartet
Tesla Quartet

2009
The Danish String quartet
Quatuor Voce
Signum Quartet

International Sándor Végh String Quartet Competition
newly found competition started in 2012 http://www.veghsandor.com/en

2012
Kelemen Kvartett (H)
Benyounes Quartet (UK) - shared 2nd prize

Fischoff National Chamber Competition
wind ensemble and string quartet competition. The official Program Book is HERE

2018
Grand Prize Winner Callisto Quartet
   
Senior String Division
Gold Medal Callisto Quartet
Silver Medal Viano String Quartet
Bronze Medal Thalea String Quartet


2017
Grand Prize Winner Milton String Quartet
 
Senior String Division
Gold Medal Milton String Quartet
Silver Medal Notos Quartet
Bronze Medal Ivani String Quartet

2015
GOLD MEDAL - Zorá String Quartet, Bloomington, Ind.
SILVER MEDAL - Calla Quartet , The Colburn School, Los Angeles, Calif
BRONZE MEDAL - Autana Trio, Cleveland, Ohio

2014
The Telegraph Quartet, California - 1st Prize

2013
Omer Quartet - 1st Prize
Wasmuth String Quartet - 2nd
Trio Concorde - 3rd

Grand Prize
2013 Omer Quartet Ohio
2012 Barkada Quartet, Bloomington, IN
2011 Calidore String Quartet, Los Angeles, CA
2010 Old City String Quartet, Philadelphia PA
2009 Linden String Quartet, Cleveland, OH
2008 The N-E-W Trio, New York, NY
2007 Prima Trio, Oberlin, OH
2006 Ariel Quartet, Boston, MA
2005 Lloyd Carr-Harris String Quartet,Montreal, Canada
2004 Jupiter String Quartet, Boston, MA
2003 verklärte quartet, Cleveland, OH
2002 Quintet Attacca, Chicago, IL
2001 ninth circle saxophone quartet, Ann Arbor, MI
2000 Fry Street Quartet, Hickory, NC
1999 Corigliano String Quartet
1998 Avalon Quartet
1997 Elm City Ensemble
1996 Miro String Quartet
1995 Zephyros Wind Quintet
1994 The Arianna String Quartet
1993 Amernet String Quartet
1992 North Coast Trio
1991 Griffon String Quartet
1990 Trio Wanderer
1989 Miami String Quartet
1988 Lafayette String Quartet
1987 Harrington String Quartet

Senior String First Prize
2013 Wasmuth String Quartet, Indiana
2012 Tesla Quartet, Boulder, CO
2011 Calidore String Quartet, Los Angeles, CA
2010 Old City String Quartet, Philadelphia PA
2009 Linden String Quartet, Cleveland, OH
2008 The N-E-W Trio, New York, NY
2007 Prima Trio, Oberlin, OH
2006 Ariel Quartet, Boston, MA
2005 Lloyd Carr-Harris String Quartet,Montreal, Canada
2004 Jupiter String Quartet, Boston, MA
2003 verklärte quartet, Cleveland, OH
2002 Chiara String Quartet, Grand Forks, ND
2001 Eusia St. Qt., Chicago, IL
2000 Fry Street Quartet, Hickory, NC
1999 Corigliano String Quartet
1998 Avalon String Quartet
1997 Elm City Ensemble
1996 Miro String Quartet
1995 Sausalito St. Qt.
1994 Arianna St. Qt.
1993 Amernet String Quartet
1992 North Coast Trio
1991 Griffon String Quartet
1990 Trio Wanderer
1989 Miami St. Qt.
1988 Lafayette St. Qt.
1987 Harrington St. Qt.
1982 Ridge String Quartet

Senior String Second Prize
2013 Trio Concorde, New England
2012 Trio mod3tre, Boston, MA
2011 Aeolus Quartet, Austin, TX
2010 Chimeng Quartet, Annandale-on-Hudson NY
2009 Jasper String Quartet, New Haven, CT
2008 Jasper String Quartet, Houston, TX
2007 Klimt Trio, Cleveland, OH
2006 Kailas String Quartet, Houston, TX
2005 Kashii String Quartet, Cleveland, OH
2004 Calder Quartet, Los Angeles, CA
2003 Ensõ String Quartet, Houston, TX
2002 Xanadu Trio, New York, NY
2001 Biava St. Qt., Cleveland, OH
2000 New England Conservatory Honors String Quartet, Boston, MA
1999 Basmati String Quartet
1998 Coolidge String Quartet
1997 Lipatti String Quartet
1996 Montagnana St. Qt.
1995 Anacapa String Quartet
1994 Plymouth String Quartet
1993 Assai String Quartet
1992 Rackham String Quartet
1991 Stony Brook Grad. Trio
1990 Rosalyra Quartet
1989 Aureole Trio
1988 Augustine Quartet
1987 Lafayette String Quartet
1982 Ambrogio Trio

Senior String Third Prize
2012 Ariadne String Quartet, Cleveland, OH
2011 Persinger String Quartet, Los Angeles, CA
2010 Lysander Piano Trio, New York NY
2009 Lorien Trio, New Haven, CT
2008 Saguaro Piano Trio, Los Angeles, CA
2007 Schulich String Quartet,
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
2006 Hyperion String Quartet, San Diego, CA
2005 Vinca String Quartet, Boulder, CO
2004 Rothko String Quartet, New York, NY
2003 The Harding Trio, Cleveland, OH
2002 Jung Trio, New Haven, CT
2001 Proteus 5, New York, NY
2000 Gotham Quartet, Rice Univ., Houston, TX
1999 In Flight 3
1998 Brutini String Quartet
1997 Avalon String Quartet
1996 Pacifica String Qt.
1995 Pacifica String Qt.
1994 Trio Selka
1993 Hawthorne String Qt.
1992 Catalina Trio
1991 Noc-Noc Quartet
1990 Westbrook String Qt
1989 Powell String Quartet
1988 Aramis String Quartet
1987 (not published)
1982 (no 3rd prize awarded)

International Bordeaux String Quartet Competition
The website did not provide enough information about list of past winners

2013
Schumann Quartett (Germany) - 1st
Ellipse Quartet (French) - 2nd
Dudok Kwartett (Netherland) - finalist
Tesla String Quartet (USA) - finalist

2010
Zemlinsky Quartet - 1st
Raphael Quartet - 2nd
Zaide Quartet - Press Prize
Galatea Quartet - Prize of Ministry of Culture and Communication
Cecilia Quartet - Sacem Prize

International Chamber Music Competition Hamburg
String Quartet and Piano Trio competition http://icmc-hamburg.de/en

The third ICMC Hamburg competition to be held in 2017

2012
Cavaleri Quartet - 1st, Mendelssohn prize
Calidore Quartet - 2nd
Cavatine Quartet - 3rd, Haydn prize

2009
Arcadia String Quartet - 1st
Asassello Quartet - 2nd
Signum Quartett - 3rd

Beijing International Music Competition
This unique event is held for one specific ensemble/instrument each year. String Quartet section year was in 2011. www.bjimc.cn

2011
Kelemen Quartet (Hungary) - shared 1st
Quatuor Zaide (French) - shared 1st
Cuarteto Quiroga (Spain) - 3rd
Simply Quartet (China) - Promising young prize

St Martin’s Chamber Music Competition
 UK Scholastic string quartet competition http://www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org/news/

2013
Jubilee Quartet - winner

2010
Piatti Quartet - winner

International D.Shostakovich String Quarte Competition
This is a string quartet competition that organized in Russia and hailed Dmitry Shostakovich music. Less information to be found. http://www.fondrii.ru/shostakovich/index_en.php
http://www.rusquartet.com/tag/shostakovich-competition/

The first three competitions were held in Leningrad (St. Petersburg) and from 1999 they have been held in Moscow.
Permanent chairman of the judges’ panel is Prof. V.A. Berlinsky – the People’s Artist, the winner of the USSR and Russian state awards, Cavalier of the IV Order “For the State Achievements”, Cavalier of the Legion of Honour.
During its 20-year history, the Competition has presented to the music world outstanding music quartets – Lark (USA), Danael and Ardeo (France), Medea (Great Britain), Meta4 (Finland), Phone-quartet (Italy), Lipatti Quartet (Romania), Kazakh State string quartet, and Russian quartets Anton, Eleanor, Dominant, Quinten, Mozart, Romantic, Twins.


2008 - 8th Edition
RUSQUARTET (Moscow Conservatory) - winner

Saint Paul String Quartet Competition
a scholastic string quartet competition in USA www.spsqc.org

2017
Astera String Quartet - Gold
Vieira String Quartet - Silver
DAJJ Quartet - Bronze

2016
Chimera Quartet - Gold
Quartet Diamont - Silver
Quartet Degas - Bronze

2015
ATARA QUARTET - Gold
Verita Quartet - Silver
Pike Stree Quartet - Bronze

2014
Ligeia Quartet - Gold
Atara String Quartet - Silver
Luna String Quartet - Bronze

2013
Quartet Morina (Midwest Young Artist) - Gold
Luna Quartet (Artaria Chamber Music School) - Silver, audience prize
Quatuor Alliance (Chamber Music Connection Ohio) - Bronze

2012
Contrapunctus Quartet (Chicago) - Gold
Meshugene Quartet - Silver
Komar String Quartet (NY) - Bronze
Quartet Ventoso - audience prize

2011
Quartet Toujours (Ohio) - Gold
Inferno String Quartet (Texas) - Silver
Malik String Quartet (Twin Cities) - Bronze
Everest String Quartet - audience prize

2010
Emerald String Quartet (Chicago) - Gold
Quartet Danaë (Chicago) - Silver
Hubert Quartet (Ohio) - Bronze

2009
Aurelia String Quartet (Chicago) - Gold, audience prize
Quartet Danaë (Chicago) - Silver
Arcobaleno Quartet (Ohio) - Bronze

2008
Viaggio Quartet (Ohio) - Gold
Polaris Quartet - Silver
Melanzana - Bronze

2007
Ridere String Quartet - Gold
Zeloso String Quartet - Silver
Opus Quartet - Bronze
Albero String Quartet - Audience prize

2006
Alethea Quartet (Illinois) - 1st
Amici Quartet (Wisconsin) - 2nd
LNKS Quartet (Minneapolis) - 3rd

Quatuors a Bordeaux

2016 - Laureates
Quatuor AKILONE 1st Grand Prix Prize
QUatuor Mettis 2nd
Ex-aequo Quatuor Mettis-Quatuor Rolston - Durosoir Prix
Quatuor Berlin-Tokyo
Quatuor Omer
Quatuor MOA

11th Banff International String Quartet Competition 2013 - Participants

The Banff International String Quartet Competition is a three-years string quartet competition. The event organized by Banff Center, a music foundation headquartet in Alberta, Canada.

About the Banff International String Quartet Competition
For over 30 years, BISQC has celebrated the art of chamber music while providing career support for emerging string quartets. With great support of the RBC Foundation the 2013 competition will continue this experience, allowing for an unprecedented number of public performances and an exploration of a wide variety of music, all with the aim of creating a festival-like atmosphere during the week-long event.

The 2013 Entry for the Competition has been announced and they are:
Anima Quartet (Russia/China) - Profile
Attacca Quartet (USA) - Profile
Calidore String Quartet (USA/Canada) - Profile
Quatuor Cavatine (France) - Profile
Dover Quartet (USA) - Profile
Gémeaux Quartett (Switzerland) - Profile
Linden String Quartet (USA) - Profile
Navarra Quartet (UK/Ireland/the Netherlands) - Profile
Noga Quartet (France/Israel) - Profile
Schumann Quartett (Germany) - Profile

Among the groups, the Attacca Quartet is quite established. The group has been familiar with their '68 Projects' and released a new CD just recently - Fellow Traveller.  Gemeaux Quartett and Anima Quartet are also strong names. Gemeaux Quartett won second prize in both the International Franz Schubert and Modern Music Competition (Graz) and the International Joseph Haydn Chamber Music Competition (Vienna). The Anima Quartet were even full of accolades, first prize and special prize at the 2009 International Franz Schubert and Modern Music Competition (Austria), first prize at the 2009 International Charles Hennen Chamber Music Competition (Netherlands), and first prize for the 2011 Boris Pergamenshikov Prize for Chamber Musik (Germany). While the others participants were no less names, comes with bag of winning medals as well.

Meanwhile, Schumann Quartett just won the 2013 International Bordeaux String Quartet Competition in May.

ten string quartets invited to BISQC 2013 - see profile


These ten ensembles will performed from 26th August 2013 - 1st September 2013. The contest is for a career development and a winner's tour. See Schedule

The last edition of BISQC was in 2010 and won by Cecilia String Quartet (Canada). The list of winner of Banff International String Quartet Competition were:
the Colorado Quartet (1983)
the Franciscan Quartet (1986)
the Manfred Quartet (1989)
the St. Lawrence String Quartet (1992)
the Amernet Quartet (1995)
the Miró Quartet (1998)
the Daedalus Quartet (2001)
the Jupiter String Quartet (2004)
the Tinalley Quartet (2007)
the Cecilia String Quartet (2010)

see detail of Laureates here
About Banff

The Parker String Quartet Introduces New Second Violinist (2013)

Grammy Award winner, The Parker String Quartet has announced their second violinist, miss Ying Xue. Ying shall replaces ex-member Karen Kim is leaving to pursue other artistic endeavors.

Full story can be found here:

It is with great pleasure that the PARKER QUARTET announces the appointment of Ying Xue as the quartet's second violinist beginning May 1, 2013.  An accomplished chamber musician and soloist, Ms. Xue has played and collaborated with many of the world's great orchestras and artists.  A fellow graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music, Ms. Xue received graduate degrees in performance and chamber music under the tutelage of Donald Weilerstein and Miriam Fried.

http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=18fbc133480b36220bff7445a&id=8c663e6c54&e=0b58b03b88

More info about Ying Xue:

Ying Xue was born in Urumqi, China and began violin studies at the age of four. At age 22, she won First Prize in the 2007 Corpus Christi Competition and was the Third Prize winner at the Irving M. Klein International String Competition in 2008. As a soloist she has played concertos with the Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra and the Symphony By the Sea in the United States, and with the Nanning Symphony Orchestra, Jinfan Symphony Orchestra, and Yinfan Symphony Orchestra in China. Ms. Xue finished her Bachelors and Masters degrees at the New England Conservatory of Music as the recipient of the Irene M. Stare Presidential Scholarship and the Wilhelmina Sandwen Scholarship. http://www.violin.org/2010comp/participants_list.html

Miss Ying Xue - second violinist of The Parker String Quartet
 
The Parker String Quartet in now reside in Minneapolis. Their recording of Ligeti String Quartet is the first winner of 2011 Grammy Award for Best Chamber Music Performance.