The International Competition
The London International String Quartet Competition has come a long way since it was founded in 1979 by Yehudi Menuhin and Richard Sotnick in Portsmouth. Since then it has attracted entries from all over the world, including the USA, UK, Europe, Japan, Russian and China. Some of the world's most famous string quartets are “laureates” of this Competition, including the Takacs, Hagen, Alexander, Shanghai, Vanbrugh, Wihan, Belcea and Endellion Quartets, amongst many others. Please click here for information on past winners. The Competition itself has spawned at least three others globally: in Banff, in Osaka and in Melbourne. It can safely be said that that original initiative in 1979 has made a huge impact on the art of the string quartet over the last 25 years. Perhaps the most appropriate accolades come from the musicians themselves:-
“The London String Quartet Competition remains the yardstick - at least in our view, by which all other international competitions in every genre must be measured.”
Sandy Wilson, Alexander String Quartet (winners in 1985)
“Winning the First Prize at the London Competition confirmed that we made the right decision in choosing chamber music and the art of the string quartet, and that we can successfully give the audience real pleasure. And, of course, the Competition gave us the opportunity to perform on the international stage.”
Anton Ilyunin, Atrium Quartet (winners in 2003)
“Winning the first prize in the LISQC has been the single most important event in launching our international concert career.”
David Quiggle, Casals Quartet (winners in 2000)
“We had already participated at other contests before but this one was the major breakthrough. It was a memorable event for all of us.”
Auer Quartet (winners in 1997)
The Competition is held every three years, with the next Competitions being 4th-9th April 2006, and then April 2009. The format for the next Competition will vary slightly, and the repertoire requirements will change substantially, in order to enhance the Competition experience for competitors and audiences alike.
The Competition offers handsome cash prizes, amongst the highest in the world for such a competition. In addition a menu of development prizes is available to assist the post-Competition development of prize-winners.
LSQF also organizes London String Quartet Week, an annual celebration of the art of string quartet playing. LSQW includes masterclasses for young string quartets, seminars, workshops, study days, education and outreach projects, Family Days and concerts - all events are open to the public and many are free. Please click here for information on LSQW 2006