Wigmore Hall to run the prestigious London International String Quartet Competition

The Wigmore Hall Trust and the London String Quartet Foundation (LSQF) announce that agreement has been reached for the activities and assets of the LSQF to be transferred to Wigmore Hall as at 30th June 2010. Wigmore Hall will then be responsible for the three yearly London International String Quartet Competition last held in April 2009 and the other educational and outreach activities of the LSQF.

There has been a long and close association between Wigmore Hall and the LSQF with the Final and Semi-Final rounds of the last three Competitions taking place at Wigmore Hall. Wigmore Hall has given assurances of its core commitment to both the Competition and the LSQF's educational activities. Ruth Wheal, the LSQF's General Manager, will join the staff of Wigmore Hall and continue in her key role.

The Trustees of the LSQF are unanimous in their belief that this will significantly strengthen the future position of the London International String Quartet Competition as one of the most prestigious quartet competitions in the world. It will ensure that the Competition will continue to be held at Wigmore Hall, the leading venue for chamber music, and will strengthen the attraction of the Competition to the best young quartets and the ability to offer the winning quartets career development opportunities. The activities of the LSQF will generally benefit from being part of an organisation with much greater financial and management resources.

John Gilhooly, Director of Wigmore Hall said “We are very pleased to assume responsibility for these activities and intend in the years ahead to build on the well established traditions of the LSQF”.

Bob Boas, Chair of the LSQF said “The LSQF is in a sound financial position but this strategic development will ensure that with the full backing of Wigmore Hall the activities of the LSQF and in particular the London International String Quartet Competition are taken to the highest possible level”.