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Wigmore Hall London International String Quartet Competition

Wigmore Hall will is now responsible for the prestigious three yearly London International String Quartet Competition last held in April 2009, and the other educational and outreach activities of LSQF.

The Wigmore Hall Trust and The London String Quartet Foundation (LSQF) agreed for the activities and assets of LSQF to be transferred to Wigmore Hall as of 30 June 2010.

There has been a long and close association between Wigmore Hall and LSQF with the final and semi final rounds of the last three competitions taking place at the Hall. Wigmore Hall has given assurances of its commitment to both the competition and LSQF’s educational activities. Ruth Wheal LSQF’s General Manager will join the staff of Wigmore Hall and continue in her key role.

A stronger future

The trustees of LSQF are unanimous in their belief that this will significantly strengthen the future position of The London International String Quartet competition as one of the most prestigious quartet competitions in the world.

It will ensure that the competition will continue to be held at Wigmore Hall, the leading venue for chamber music, and will strengthen the attraction of the competition to the best young quartets and the ability to offer the winning quartets career development opportunities. The activities of LSQF will generally benefit from being part of an organisation with much greater financial and management resources.

John Gilhooly, Director of Wigmore Hall, said “We are very pleased to assume responsibility for these activities and intend in the years ahead to build on the well established traditions of the LSQF”.

Bob Boas, Chair of LSQF, said “ The LSQF is in a sound financial position but this strategic development will ensure that, with the full backing of Wigmore Hall, the activities of LSQF and in particular the London International String Quartet competition are taken to the highest possible level”.

The final of the next London International String Quartet Competition will be held at Wigmore Hall on 1st April 2012.