Poiesis Quartet

After nearly four decades of acclaimed performances at Stanford and around the world, the St. Lawrence String Quartet introduces the St. Lawrence Legacy Series. This new initiative, in partnership with Stanford Live, showcases three of today’s most celebrated string quartets—ranging from legendary ensembles to rising stars and fresh competition winners. Each group will spend a week on campus in a wide-ranging residency focused on mentorship, collaboration, and community engagement, culminating in a world-class performance at Bing Concert Hall.

Winners of the 2025 Banff International String Quartet Competition, the Poiesis Quartet also won the Grand Prize, Gold Medal, and Lift Every Voice Prize at the 2023 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, as well as the Gold Medal and BIPOC Prize at the 2023 St. Paul String Quartet Competition. Their name derives from the ancient Greek word “poiesis,” meaning “to make”; specifically, to create something that has not existed before. They emphasize expanding the string quartet repertoire with vibrant new works, and perform them with synchronicity and verve. Already praised by San Francisco Classical Voice as “charismatic and note-perfect … [with] palpable chemistry and a remarkable warmth,” the Poiesis Quartet debuts at Stanford Live as part of their BISQC-winning tour.