The Swiss ensemble triumphed in the string quartet category; no first prize was awarded in the piano trio section

Belanus

The Belenus Quartet (pictured) has won first prize in the string quartet category of the 9th International ‘Franz Schubert and Modern Music’ Competition, held in Graz, Austria from 4 to 12 February, 2015.

Founded in 2004, the multi-award-winning Swiss ensemble – violinists Seraina Pfenninger and Anne Battegay, violist Esther Fritzsche and cellist Jonas Vischi – receive a cash prize of €18,000. Second prize, worth €13,000, goes to the Lyskamm Quartet from Italy and third prize, worth €9,000, to the Berlin-Tokyo Quartet from Israel/Japan.

In the piano trio section, no first prize has been awarded. Second prize, worth €9,750 goes to the Atanassov Trio from France and third prize to the Jade Trio from South Korea.

Established by the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz in 1989, the competition is held every three years in string quartet, piano trio and voice and piano duo categories. Repertoire requirements encompass contemporary and traditional music.

Photo: Angelika Annen

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