Ten elite quartets to compete at 2025 Banff International String Quartet Competition.
Some of the most exceptional young string quartets from around the globe will gather in the heart of the Canadian Rockies this summer, vying for one of the most prestigious prizes in chamber music.
From August 25 to 31, 2025, the Banff International String Quartet Competition (BISQC) returns to Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in Banff, Alberta. The triennial event will welcome ten accomplished quartets from Europe, Asia and North America to compete for a prize package valued at more than $500,000.
“The esteemed preliminary jury reviewed a record number of applications from quartets around the globe,” said Barry Shiffman, director of BISQC. “These ten quartets they selected now have the chance for a life-changing opportunity that success in Banff can provide.”
Established in 1983, BISQC has become a launchpad for chamber ensembles seeking international careers. The 2025 competition marks its 15th edition and will feature four rounds of intense performances, culminating in a new fifth round where the top three ensembles will present curated recital programs of their own design.
The competing quartets, listed alphabetically, are:
-
Arete Quartet – Seoul, South Korea
-
Cong Quartet – Hong Kong, China
-
Quatuor Elmire – Paris, France
-
Quartett HANA – Munich, Germany
-
Quartet KAIRI – Salzburg, Austria
-
Quatuor Magenta – Paris, France
-
Myriade String Quartet – Montreal, Canada
-
Nerida Quartet – Bremen, Germany
-
Poiesis Quartet – Cincinnati, United States
-
Viatores Quartet – Berlin, Germany
This year’s event features musicians from 14 different countries, emphasizing BISQC’s global reach and reputation.
Chris Lorway, president and CEO of Banff Centre, described the competition as a powerful meeting point for artists and audiences. “The alchemy of this music, this crowd, and this setting is absolutely magical,” he said. “I’m excited to meet these artists and introduce them into our family of alumni and friends for life.”
The grand prize includes a three-year career development program featuring North American and European touring, a recording residency, and high-profile residencies at institutions including Southern Methodist University (worth $110,000 CAD), the Esterházy Foundation, the Lucerne Festival and Britten Pears Arts in England.
All quartets not advancing to the finals will receive the Christine and David Anderson Prize of $5,000 CAD.
This year’s preliminary jury included Joshua Gindele (Miró Quartet), Ayane Kozasa (Aizuri Quartet/Kronos Quartet), and Guillaume Sutre (Ysaÿe Quartet). They selected the finalists from a highly competitive field of applicants between October 2024 and March 2025.
A highlight of the 2025 event will be the Canadian Commission Round, featuring a world premiere of Rapprochement by acclaimed composer Kati Agócs.
Tickets for BISQC are in high demand. While full audience packages have sold out, single-event tickets will become available on Wednesday, May 14 at 9 a.m. MT through banffcentre.ca/bisqc.
Past winners of the competition include celebrated ensembles such as the Isidore String Quartet (2022), Marmen and Viano Quartets (2019), Rolston Quartet (2016) and Dover Quartet (2013).
About Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
Founded in 1933, Banff Centre is a global leader in arts, culture and leadership education. Located in Banff National Park, the centre offers world-class training and development opportunities across a wide range of disciplines, from fine arts to Indigenous Wise Practices. Its mission is to inspire creativity and innovation for a better future.