Recently described by Paul Driver of The Times as "the best young quartet I have come across in years", the quartet was formed in 1998 at the Royal Northern College of Music, and has gone on to win widespread critical acclaim for its concerts and recordings.

Made up of Sara Bittloch (violin), Donald Grant (Violin), Martin Saving (viola) and Marie Bitlloch ('cello), the quartet are delighted and honoured to have been chosen for the award this year.

The Borletti-Buitoni Trust was established in April 2002 to help young concert artists, in as flexible and innovative ways as possible, to develop and sustain burgeoning international careers.