An iconic competition steeped in history
Bordeaux has become the city of the string quartet! Every three years since 1999, it has hosted one of the most prestigious and demanding International String Quartet Competitions. An ideal springboard for young quartet musicians, the Competition aims to be a link between young virtuosos and the greatest musical stages. Inherited from the Evian Competition, it has revealed a number of ensembles on the verge of brilliant careers. ̀res brillantes. The Prazák (1978), Hagen (1983), Ysaÿe (1988), Belcea (1999), Ébène (2003), Schumann (2013) and Leonkoro (20 22) have been winners.
In 2022, the tenth edition of the Bordeaux International String Quartet Competition took place, the first under the direction of the Modigliani Quartet and Julien Kieffer, which was unanimously hailed as a great vintage. A top-notch jury and a large audience crowned a great winner , the Leonkoro Quartet (Germany).
2025: The 11th edition of the Competition at the heart of a multifaceted Festival exploring all the facets of the string quartet
The team from Vibre! is working in close partnership with the Opéra National de Bordeaux to prepare the next International String Quartet Competition, which will take place from 19 to 25 May.
Under the artistic direction of the Modigliani Quartet, you will find ten of the most talented young quartets, invited to come and defend their passion for chamber music . A rare opportunity for the public to discover the greats of tomorrow and to experience the adrenaline of a competition. It is also an opportunity to bring together the world of the string quartet for the final, which will be attended by a 20-member professional committee (directors of major venues, important festivals, international competitions, etc.), which will advise the winners and meet for a high-level professional meeting high level.
Around the Competition, the Festival, which takes place every year, will continue to innovate by offering concerts with some of the greatest quartets, the greats of tomorrow, but also meetings and mediation activities to allow as many people as possible to get to know the extraordinary musical repertoire of the string quartet.
Vibre! is also at the heart of the chamber music ecosystem, honouring the work of composers, luthiers and bow makers, without whom there would be no concerts.
