2015 Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition names finalists

The finalists of Australia's 7th Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition have been announced following several rounds of performances.

In the string quartet category, the Berlin-based Noga Quartet – laureate of the 2014 Premio Borciani and 2013 Banff International String Quartet Competiton – will take on the Verona Quartet (pictured) – second prize winner at the 2015 Wigmore Hall International String Quartet Competition in London. The third string quartet finalist is the Giocoso String Quartet, currently studying for a Masters degree in chamber music at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna.

The piano trio category finalists are: Trio Adorno from Germany – second prize winner in the 2004 Hamburg Chamber Music Competition; Trio Medici, formed in 2004 at Moscow’s Tchaikovsky Conservatory; and the UK-based Linos Piano Trio, chamber prize winner at the Brahms International Competition.

First prize winner in the string quartet category will receive AUS $24,000, while the winning piano trio will receive AUS $18,000. Each of the two finals will take place on Saturday 18 July 2015.

This year’s jury comprises Borodin Quartet cellist Vladimir Balshin, Tokyo String Quartet violinist Martin Beaver, Vertavo Quartet violist Berit Cardas, Kopelman Quartet violinist Borish Kuschnir, Goldner String Quartet violinist Irina Morozova, Australian National Academy of Music cellist Howard Penny, and pianist and composer Bright Sheng.

The Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition is held every four years, open to international ensembles with members up to the age of 35. In addition to cash awards, prize winners also receive performance opportunities.

Photo: Joseph Ong

Subscribe to The Strad or download our digital edition as part of a 30-day free trial. To purchase single issues click here.