Citation for string quartet

Press, 12 April 1988, Page 9

Citation for string quartet

By TONY VERDON in London

Christchurch’s ' Vivo string quartet failed to reach the final! of the prestigious , Portsmouth International String Quartet Competition.

However, the competition’s artistic director, Sir Yehudi Menuhin, ’gave the group a special citation when the winner was announced.

Sir Yehudi said the New Zealand group had given an "outstanding” performance ; in the competition! which was won by a British quartet. The Vivo string quartet

reached the semi-finals of the competition when the number of groups was reduced from 24 to 12, but was not among the five finalists who played for the top prize. A member of the group, Anthony van Buren, said that many at the competition felt that the Vivo quartet should have been among the finalists. How-. ever, it appeared the judges had certain preconceptions about what; sort of group they wanted , in the final, and the ages of the players. The Vivo string quartet is led by Jan j Tawroszewicz, aged 41, with James Tennant, 31, Anthony van Buren, 21,

and Martin Riseley, 19) The groups which reached the final were comprised totally of younger players. Mr van Buren said it was possible the disparity in ages of the New Zealanders had counted against the group. He said the group members felt they had acquitted themselves well, and many attending the competitions had praised their performances. | The competition was won by the Vanbrugh' quartet, of Britain, with the Ysaye quartet, of France, second. Two United States groups and a Chinese quartet also reached the final.