For the seventh time, the biennial string quartet competition of the Irene Steels-Wilsing Foundation will be held in front of an audience as part of the Heidelberger Frühling Streichquartettfest. The competition gathers the best of young European string quartet talents. Eight quartets that have qualified through a pre-selection process will be invited. The ensembles are free to choose what they play in the competition. Following the musical performance, the young musicians will introduce themselves in a discussion that will focus on their artistic drive, visions and goals.

Procedure

11-13.30, quartet 1-3

14.30-19.15, Quartet 4-8

20.30, Award ceremony

Prizes

1st prize Annual scholarship of € 1,000 per month, € 12,000 in total. The first prize-winning quartet will also be invited to take part in the Streichquartettfest 2026.

2nd prize € 6,000

3rd prize € 4,000

A five-member jury will decide on the awards: In addition, the auditorium decides on the Audience Award, which is presented by Heidelberger Frühling.

Admission is free, please register at +49 (0)6221 584 00 44 or tickets@heidelberger-fruehling.de.