Colburn School’s Viano String Quartet and the London-based Marmen Quartet jointly won first prize at the distinguished 2019 Banff International String Quartet Competition (BISQC), held August 26 – September 1, 2019, in Banff, Canada. This is the first time that BISQC has awarded two quartets its top prize.
The Viano String Quartet — violinists Hao Zhou and Lucy Wang, violist Aiden Kane, and cellist Tate Zawadiuk — formed in 2015 at Colburn School, where they are the ensemble-in-residence through the 2020–2021 season. Praised for their “huge range of dynamics, massive sound, and spontaneity” (American Record Guide), the quartet are former major prize winners at the Wigmore Hall, Osaka, and Fischoff International String Quartet Competitions.
In addition, Zhou was selected as the Grand Laureate of the 2019 Concours Musical International de Montréal Violin Competition. The Quartet, part of the Colburn Artists roster, works chiefly with Martin Beaver, as well as other members of the Colburn School faculty, including Scott St. John, Clive Greensmith, Paul Coletti, and Fabio Bidini.
Each quartet will receive a $16,500 cash prize and will also share concert tours of more than 40 major markets in Europe and North America, a creative residency at Banff Centre for recording opportunities, as well as coaching and mentorship opportunities.
