ST. PAUL – May 2, 2011
The polished and compelling Quartet Toujours from Columbus, Ohio captured the Gold Medals during the Final Round of the 2011 Saint Paul String Quartet Competition on April 16. Their lithe interpretation of Debussy and powerful playing of Shostakovich’s 3rd quartet in Sundin Music Hall solidified their place as one of the best young quartets in the nation. Silver Medals went to the members of the smooth playing Inferno String Quartet from Houston, Texas. Their Ravel quartet movement was well polished and the last movement of Beethoven Op.95 was sublime. A splendid performance by the Malik String Quartet from the Twin Cities won them the Bronze Medals. They gave a convincing performance of Shostakovich’s challenging fifth quartet and their performance of the opening movement of Beethoven’s Harp quartet was thoughtful and mature. The audience prize this year went to the talented Everest String Quartet from the Twin Cities.
