Entering The Competition

Thank you for your interest in participating in the Saint Paul String Quartet Competition! The SPSQC attracts the finest and most talented young musicians from around the country. We welcome your ensemble's entry and wish you great success at the event. 2010 entries must be received by Wednesday, March 3, 2010.

Prizes Awarded

Quartets selected for the Final Round (Saturday, April 17, 2010) will compete for cash prizes and a set of handmade Anderson Music Stands.

• Gold Medal and $1,000 cash prize plus 4 hand-made Anderson Music stands
• Silver Medal and $800 cash prize
• Bronze Medal and $600 cash prize
• Audience Prize is $200

Rules and Application Form

To enter the Saint Paul String Quartet Competition, review the competition Rules & Regulations and complete and submit an Application Form along with the other required elements (refer to the Rules & Regulations page).

View the Rules and Regulations

Completed application forms should be mailed to:

SPSQC
Ray Shows, Administrator
980 Bellows Street
Saint Paul, MN 55118

Email us with any questions you may have: spsqc@artaria.us

Previous Repertoire

You may find it helpful to review repertoire of prior year's Competition ensembles.

 

CD Recording Information & Suggestions

Choose a room with a warm acoustic. The space should have natural reverberation, but not be overly resonant. We recommend placing the microphone(s) on a stand about 6 feet in front of the group and 8-10 feet above the floor. Aim the microphone(s) toward the ensemble. If two microphones are being used (left and right channels), have them 1-2 feet apart. Carefully check that the signal is strong enough, but not so strong that the signal will distort in the loud passages (especially true with digital equipment). Record each movement several times and choose the best "take". Only complete, unedited takes are allowed.