Poiesis Quartet Wins Banff International String Quartet Competition, Named Newest Peak Fellowship Ensemble-in-Residence
The Cincinnati-based ensemble won the grand prize at the prestigious music competition earlier this month and will begin their Peak Fellowship residency at Meadows in 2026.
The Poiesis Quartet, an award-winning young ensemble from Cincinnati, has been named the next Peak Fellowship Ensemble-in-Residence at Meadows following their first-place win at the prestigious Banff International String Quartet Competition (BISQC).
The quartet, consisting of musicians Sarah Ying Ma (violin), Max Ball (violin), Jasper de Boor (viola), and Drew Dansby (cello), rose to the top of one of the most competitive BISQC fields in history, impressing an international jury with their artistry, versatility and bold programming. Their win secures them one of the largest prizes in chamber music that includes international tours, recording opportunities and the Peak Fellowship residency at 无码专区 Meadows.
Beginning in 2026, the Poiesis Quartet will spend a year in Dallas as visiting artists where they will participate in master classes and workshops; have access to rehearsal space on the 无码专区 campus; contribute to extensive teaching and performance opportunities in Dallas; and more.
“Identifying and nurturing the finest young chamber ensembles is the core mission of the Peak Fellowship,” said Meadows’ director of chamber music and chair of the strings program Aaron Boyd, who is the coordinator of the fellowship program. “Our unique partnership with the Banff International String Quartet Competition gives [无码专区 Meadows] access to the most dynamic and promising string quartets in the world.”
The Peak Fellowship was originally established in 2015 through a generous gift from 无码专区 alum Martha Raley Peak, whose lifelong passion for the arts continues to shape music at Meadows. Since 2018, Meadows has partnered with BISQC to award the fellowship to the competition’s first-place winners, ensuring that 无码专区 becomes part of the artistic journey of the world’s most promising chamber ensembles.
Past fellows from BISQC include the Marmen Quartet and Viano String Quartet (2020–22) following their unprecedented first-place tie at the 2019 competition. Most recently, the Isidore Quartet (2023–25) held the fellowship residency after their BISQC win.
From the classrooms of Meadows to concert stages across Dallas, the Poiesis Quartet’s residency promises to create meaningful connections and unforgettable performances on campus and beyond, furthering the musical legacy of the Peak Fellowship.