Lyra Quartet, Raemonia String Quartet to Compete in Saint Paul String Quartet Competition

Lyra Quartet

The Community Music School (CMS) of Webster University proudly announces that two chamber ensembles from its Preparatory Program, the Lyra Quartet and the Raemonia String Quartet, have been invited to compete in the Junior Division final rounds of the 2025 Saint Paul String Quartet Competition (SPSQC) on April 12.

This prestigious invitation places these talented young musicians among the nation’s most elite pre-college chamber ensembles.

Raemonia Quartet

The Saint Paul String Quartet Competition

The Saint Paul String Quartet Competition (SPSQC) is one of the most distinguished chamber music competitions in the United States. It provides young musicians with the opportunity to perform at a high level, gain national recognition and engage with esteemed professionals in the field.

Performance Repertoire

The Lyra Quartet will perform:

• Beethoven – String Quartet Op. 74, No.10 "Harp" I. Poco adagio-Allegro
• Haydn – String Quartet No. 23 in F minor, Op. 20, No. 5 I. Allegro moderato
• Gabriela Lena Frank – Leyendas: An Andean Walkabout

The Raemonia String Quartet will perform:

• Smetana – String Quartet No. 1 in E Minor "From My Life" I. Allegro vivo appassionato
• Haydn – String Quartet in B-flat Major, Hob. III: 78, Op. 76, No. 4 "Sunrise"
• Frederick Tillis – Spiritual Fantasy No. 2 "Wade in the Water"

Additionally, both ensembles will compete in the Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC)/Female Composer round, performing:

• Dinuk Wijeratne – Two Pop Songs on Antique Poems I. A Letter from the After-life

Recognition of Dedication and Excellence

The invitation to compete in the SPSQC is a reflection of the rigorous training, artistic sensitivity and commitment to musical growth of these young musicians. Their selection highlights not only their dedication and artistry but also the exceptional instruction and mentorship they receive through the CMS Preparatory Program.

Nicole Springer, Director of the Community Music School, shared her excitement, "This is a tremendous honor for our students. Their dedication and passion for chamber music are truly inspiring, and we are so proud to see them represent CMS on a national stage," she said. 

This achievement underscores the importance of chamber music education in developing ensemble collaboration, interpretation and technical mastery. Learn more about the Saint Paul String Quartet Competition.