The Banff International String Quartet Competition is held once in three years at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in Banff, Alberta, Canada.
The competition was organized in 1983 by Kenneth Murphy to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Banff Centre for the Arts, at which he was the assistant artistic director for musical programs. [1] It is now recognised as one of the world's major string quartet competitions. [2]
Ten quartets from around the world are selected to take part in the semi-final competition. All members of the quartets must be under the age of 35. [3] After playing various styles of both traditional and modern chamber music before audiences over a period of several days, [4] three finalist groups are chosen. [5] After further performances these are judged and a winner chosen. [6]
Each year the winning ensemble receives a cash prize and a three-year career development programme, including a recording session at Banff Centre and a performance tour of European and North American cities. [7] There is also a cash prize for second place and smaller specific prizes. [8]
| Year | Ensemble | Country | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Poiesis Quartet | American | [9] |
| 2022 | Isidore String Quartet | American | [10] |
| 2019 | tie: Marmen Quartet & Viano Quartet | UK & Canada/USA | [11] |
| 2016 | Rolston String Quartet | Canadian | [12] |
| 2013 | Dover Quartet | American | [13] |
| 2010 | Cecilia String Quartet | Canadian | [14] |
| 2007 | Tinalley String Quartet | Australian | [15] |
| 2004 | Jupiter Quartet | American | [16] |
| 2001 | Daedalus Quartet | American | [17] |
| 1998 | Miró Quartet | American | [18] |
| 1995 | Amernet String Quartet | American | [19] |
| 1992 | St. Lawrence String Quartet | Canadian | [20] |
| 1989 | Quatour Manfred | French | [21] |
| 1986 | Franciscan Quartet | American | [22] |
| 1983 | Colorado Quartet | American | [23] |