Brilliant Young Quartets. Two Weekends. One Extraordinary Competition
A FABULOUS experience!
-- Annie Fullard, Cavani String Quartet
Naumburg Chamber Music Award winner and Director of Chamber Music at the Peabody Institute.
We loved being able to take part in something so special and uplifting to student musicians.
-- SPSQC prizewinner
A New Generation of String Quartets
Takes the Stage
SAINT PAUL, MN — March 13, 2026
An exceptional new generation of string quartets will arrive in Saint Paul this April for two exciting weekends of competition and performance. Pre-professional ensembles will compete on Saturday, April 11, followed by the High School Division on Saturday, April 18.
The highest-scoring ensembles were selected by a distinguished panel of performers representing some of today’s most respected professional quartets, including members of the Artaria, Casella, Cavani, Calidore, Concord, Esmé, and Kronos Quartets.
This year we are especially honored to welcome members of the celebrated Miró and Ying Quartets as guest listeners and artistic mentors during the final rounds. Their presence will enrich the experience for competitors and audiences alike, offering perspective from artists who have helped shape the modern string quartet landscape.
Senior Division Finals — April 11
Join us for the Senior Division Finals, where audiences will hear a compelling Recital Round, curated by each ensemble to showcase its artistic voice. The finalists will also present Pisachi (Reveal), the powerful compulsory work by Chickasaw Nation citizen and acclaimed classical composer Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate. Together, these performances promise both virtuosity and storytelling, illuminating the expressive breadth of today’s quartet repertoire.
High School Division Finals — April 18
On April 18, the spotlight turns to the High School Division, as some of the nation’s most promising young quartets perform works from three major traditions: the Haydn Round, the Romantic–Nationalist Round, and the Modern Round. Between these rounds, the ensembles will perform Blueprint by Caroline Shaw, a luminous work celebrated for its elegance, clarity, and imaginative spirit.
Audience Participation
Both events invite audiences to take part in the excitement. Listeners will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite ensembles, helping to recognize the artistry that resonates most powerfully in the hall.
We warmly invite the Saint Paul community — and chamber music lovers everywhere — to join us, in person or from afar, as we celebrate discovery, excellence, and the enduring power of music shared together.
Our quartet won Gold & Grand prizes and the Lift Every Voice prize at the Fischoff!!! A huge, huge, thank you to you and all the other organizers of the Saint Paul String Quartet Competition. Without our experience in St. Paul, we absolutely couldn't have done this. We really appreciate all that you have done!!"
-- 2023 SPSQC Gold Medalist Poiesis Quartet
-- 2025 Winner Banff International String Quartet Competition
I love SPSQC...it is truly a gem in our community... always amazing young string quartets
-- Laura Sewell. Cellist of the Lark Quartet & Artaria String Quartet. Bronze medal winner at the Banff International String Quartet Competition
2026 SPSQC Final Round Jurists
Miro Quartet
The renowned Miro Quartet will adjudicate the SPSQC Senior Division on Sat. April 11 in Sundin Music Hall on the campus of Hamline University.
Miro Performance
for the Schubert Club
Ying Quartet
The Grammy-Award winning Ying Quartet will adjudicate the SPSQC Junior Division on Sat. April 18 in Sundin Music Hall on the campus of Hamline University.
They will also present a masterclass for the Artaria Chamber Music School on Friday 4/17 at 6pm.
Masterclass location
2026 EMCEES
Steve Staruch
Steve Seel
Senior Division - April 11, 2026
Junior Division - April 18, 2026
