Monday, 14 January 2008
Founded in 1979 at the instigation of Yehudi Menuhin, the London International String Quartet Competition was one of the first and is today the most prestigious competition for string quartets in the world. At first in Portsmouth, and since 1991 in London, the Competition created by Yehudi Menuhin has attracted entries from all over the world including the USA, Europe, Japan, Russia and China. Past prize winners comprise a veritable roll call of world famous and well established quartets performing today such as the Takacs, Endellion, Wihan, Hagen, Vellinger, Alexander, Belcea and Vanbrugh Quartets, to name just a few.For the Ninth Competition a number of changes and enhancements were suggested by Yehudi Menuhin with three main aims to bring the Competition closer to audiences, closer to the professional world of chamber music and to increase the support for prize winners. Following a tough pre-competition stage, 11 quartets from eight countries were invited to compete in the preliminary rounds at the Royal Academy of Music. From 5-7 April 2003 the competing quartets performed in the RAM's rehearsal rooms and fine concert hall, the Duke's Hall. The quartets that reached the all Beethoven Semi final on 8 April and the Final on 9 April played at the world renowned Wigmore Hall. ITV newscaster and Classic FM presenter Katie Derham presented the prizes on 9 April.
Yehudi Menuhin suggested that the repertoire for the Competition should be allowed more freedom of choice for competing quartets. While more emphasis was placed on 20th century works, the classical period was well represented with late Mozart quartets in the preliminary rounds and an all Beethoven Semi final.
The Competition also increased its prize money, making it one of the highest awards in the world for such an event. In addition, the winning quartets click here for information on the winners received significant non cash, developmental prizes to include a UK concert tour; a UK and French residency; use of fine instruments; coaching with top ranking quartets and musicians; BBC Radio 3 broadcasts; a return visit to perform in London and an EMI Classics Debut Series recording.