US quartets sweep Banff
NewsTwo US quartets, the Isidore and the Balourdet, came first and third at the Banff International String Quartet Competition in Canada.
Between them, in second place, was Norway’s Opus13.
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Congratulations to the winners. It is too bad the ARD in Germany is running concurrently, I think all quartets had to choose between competitions this year.
Hard to compete with Banff’s prize purse. It’s huge!
diversity rules
Before rendering such judgment I suggest you listen – deeply, eyes closed – to the playing of the Isidore Quartet. If after then you still feel they are a diversity selection, then we have very different ideas of what constitutes truly exceptional string quartet artistry.
I was there – Isidore Quartet won this fair and square, and on top of it all, they are fabulous young men. This win is good for the world.
Facts’ comment seems unfair, but it comes from seeing diversity trump quality time and again, and yet in this case the Isidore Quartet really did earn their win. This points to the fundamental evil of affirmative action- it both promotes mediocrity and simultaneously undermines legitimate achievement. The Isidore’s achievement is real and deserved. They have the makings of a truly fine
People like you are why the field is so deeply flawed today.
Not to be argumentative, Norman, but “sweep” — in the sports world — means winning first, second and third place, not first and third like these American quartets.