Announcing the 22nd International

Saint Paul String Quartet Competition

 

We are delighted to announce the 2027 Saint Paul String Quartet Competition (SPSQC), a premier international event celebrating excellence in chamber music performance. The Final Rounds of the 2027 competition will take place in April in Saint Paul, Minnesota, showcasing the most outstanding young string quartets from across the United States and Canada.

 

The SPSQC is dedicated exclusively to String Quartets, providing a focused platform for developing ensembles to perform, learn, and connect with distinguished artists and peers.

 

 

Competition Divisions

 

Senior Division (Pre-Professional)
Open to U.S. and international quartets. Each member must be 32 years of age or younger as of April 10, 2027.

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Junior Division (High School)
Open to U.S. and international quartets whose members are 19 years of age or younger as of April 17, 2027,
and not currently enrolled in a college degree program.

 

 

Distinguished International Jury Panels

 

The Saint Paul String Quartet Competition brings together exceptional musicians from the international chamber music community. Our Selection Jury features distinguished performers from renowned string quartets whose artistry and professional experience help identify the most compelling emerging ensembles from an international field of applicants.

 

For the final rounds, we are honored to welcome two internationally acclaimed ensembles: the Viano Quartet, adjudicating the Senior Division, and the Esmé Quartet, adjudicating the Junior Division. Their participation reflects the competition’s commitment to artistic excellence, thoughtful evaluation, and the development of the next generation of outstanding chamber musicians.

Viano Quartet – Senior Division

Esmé Quartet – Junior Division

 

Their artistry and mentorship will provide invaluable insight
and inspiration to all participating quartets.

 

 

Event Schedule & Broadcasts

Senior Division Finals: Saturday, April 10, 2027 – Live Broadcast

Junior Division Finals: Saturday, April 17, 2027 – Live Broadcast

 

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2027 Spotlight Composer Round (Required works to be performed)

Senior Division Finals
Brian Raphael Nabors: String Quartet (2024)

Junior Division Finals
Jessie Montgomery: Voodoo Dolls (2008)

 

 

The 2027 Saint Paul String Quartet Competition will celebrate the creativity and vitality of 21st-century chamber music through its Composer Spotlight Rounds, featuring compelling works by two distinctive voices in contemporary American composition.

 

Senior Division finalist quartets will perform String Quartet (2024) by Brian Raphael Nabors, a composer whose dynamic musical language draws on a rich range of influences to create vivid, expressive sound worlds.

 

Junior Division finalist quartets will take on Voodoo Dolls (2008) by Jessie Montgomery, a celebrated composer and violinist known for her imaginative fusion of classical traditions with the rhythms, energy, and spirit of contemporary American life.

 

Through these featured works, the competition invites emerging chamber musicians to engage deeply with the music of our time, bringing their own artistry and perspective to the evolving tradition of the string quartet.

 

 

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Application Deadline: February 24, 2027

 

Mark your calendars so you won’t miss your chance to be part of this remarkable celebration of chamber music! Full competition details, repertoire requirements, and application information are available on our website:

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👉 www.spsqc.org

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Warm regards,
The Saint Paul String Quartet Competition Team

 

Portal Open Jan.1, 2027
APPLICATION DUE Feb.24, 2027

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