Competition Information

August 26 – September 1, 2019

August 29 – September 4, 2022

For over 30 years, Banff International String Quartet Competition has celebrated the art of chamber music while providing career support for emerging string quartets. Intended as a one-time special event, the first competition was held in 1983 to mark the 50th anniversary of Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. The outstanding success of the first competition inspired organizers to make this a triennial event.

The competition gives audiences an in-depth and behind-the-scenes look at the thrill and heartbreak of a live chamber music competition as 10 of the world’s best young string quartets vie for over $300,000 in cash and prizes, including the Anderson Career Development Grant for all 7 quartets not advancing to finals, to support their emerging careers before a remarkably dedicated chamber music audience. The triennial competition is a member of the World Federation of International Music Competitions and is widely recognized among the top events of its kind.

New for 2019:

BISQC is thrilled to announce a collaboration with Southern Methodist University’s Meadows Schools of the Arts! The Peak Fellowship Ensemble-In-Residence Prize is a 2-year paid residency offered to the First Place Laureates worth $160,000 USD.

Past winners have included the St. Lawrence, Miró, Daedalus, Jupiter, TinAlley, Cecilia, Dover, and Rolston String Quartets. The competition is open to quartets of all nationalities whose members are all under the age of 35 at the time of the competition.

View 2019 Winner's Tour schedule.