MLive.com: Calidore String Quartet wins $100,000 Grand Prize in first M-Prize; [Kenari Quartet, with Steven Banks & Corey Dundee, receives $20,000 Prize]

Aaron P. Dworkin, Dean
University of Michigan 

School of Music, Theatre and Dance

(L-R)  Steven Banks, Corey Dundee, Kyle Baldwin, Bob Eason

www.kenariquartet.com

MLive.com

Martin Slagter

May 19, 2016

ANN ARBOR, MI – Members of the Calidore String Quartet were quick to point out that it was simply luck that allowed them to take home the $100,000 Grand Prize in the first M-Prize chamber music competition.

University of Michigan Dean of the School of Music, Theatre & Dance and M-Prize creator Aaron Dworkin didn't see it that way, remarking at the quartet's remarkable combination of technical prowess and stage presence in winning the inaugural Grand Prize on May 19 at Hill Auditorium.

"They are simply one of the greatest string quartets that exist in our country today," Dworkin said. "This competition, if you will, has given them the stamp that they are the premiere new string quartet in the field. Obviously the technical precision they brought, but also the dynamic musicianship and character and personality they brought to the stage – it was truly profound."

After winning the String division during the first day of competition on Wednesday, Calidore impressed members of the jury with its confidence and finesse, topping fellow finalists the Kenari Quartet, which captured the Winds division, and Yarn l Wire, which won the open category. Each of the division winners took home $20,000.

On May 7, 2016 AfriClassical posted:

Saxophonists Steven Banks and Corey Dundee are members of Kenari Quartet, a Semi-Finalist in M-Prize Chamber Music Competition at University of Michigan