PROGRAM GRAND FINAL 2022
The Pirulí String Quartet (SA), winners of Flinders Quartet
the 2021
Mentorship Prize 2
ReidShanephoto:
Finally, the Strike A Chord final we’ve all been waiting for – live and in-person at the magnificent Elisabeth Murdoch Hall at Melbourne Recital Centre. Our five expert jurors and our audience of enthusiastic supporters in the hall will be the lucky ones who hear the thrilling sounds of our incredibly talented finalists in the same air But,space.thanks to our combined experiences over the last two-plus years of the pandemic, we know that there will be lots of eager and curious folks around the country and even further afield tuning into the livestream too. To all of you, young musicians, parents, teachers and keen supporters, thank you for entering and supporting Strike A Chord during its tumultuous and unpredictable first two years. That it was a good idea in principle was never in doubt but together, all of you and the indefatigable staff at Musica Viva Australia have turned that idea into exuberant reality. With even more stunning performances amongst the first round video entries this year making our preliminary jurors’ job so difficult, we can be assured of a wonderful afternoon of music-making by these extremely accomplished musicians. I can’t wait to experience them with you.
WILMA SMITH Artistic Director Strike A Chord 3/ WELCOME 5/ GRAND FINAL 7/ THE CHAMPIONSHIP 8/ THE PRIZES 12/ NOVICE SECTION 14/ FIRST ROUND 16/ THE JURY 18/ TRIO BAJESHKABELLISSIMOPIANO QUARTET 19/ AMAZON TRIO FINESSE QUARTET 20/ PIERESPERANZASTRING QUARTET 21/ JPMS ENSEMBLE VOLANTE PICCOLO STRING QUARTET 22/ THEDOMIINCREDIBOWS 23/ OPEN SCHOOL WINTHER QUARTET ESPLANADE TRIO 25/ ALL 2022 ENTRIES 26/ PAST CHAMPIONS 30/ ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 31/ DONORS + PARTNERS Musica Viva Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the many lands on which we meet, work and live. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present – people who have sung their songs, danced their dances and told their stories on these lands for thousands of generations, and who continue to do so. 3
Most of all, we welcome and celebrate the talented musicians who have entered the competition, participated in coaching sessions to prepare their performances and who have shown us, through their dedicated determination, that the future of music is alive, well and thriving in Australia.
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The Musica Viva Australia Board agreed, enthusiastically adding their support to founding funder Creative Victoria and strategic partners Melbourne Recital Centre and the Australian National Academy of Music. Together, we created the first Strike A Chord in 2020. Despite the considerable disruptions we have all experienced since, the Strike A Chord team has persevered with two years of virtual events attracting hundreds of entries. Young musicians have adapted quickly to online auditions and competitions, providing evidence that musicians are resilient, innovative and determined to make music.
And here we are in 2022 as the first live Strike A Chord final takes the stage at the Melbourne Recital Centre while teachers from all over Australia gather in person nearby (or virtually) to discuss and improve their craft. This is a day to celebrate.
Musica Viva Australia exists to make extraordinary music for everyone and we are supported by a marvellous community of donors and partners who share our passion. In particular, we recognise the generous support of Creative Victoria, Monash University, Patricia H Reid Endowment, Tom Breen, Marjorie Nicholas OAM, Mercer Family Foundation, Robert Salzer Foundation, Druce Family, Morawetz Family and Yamaha Australia for their special support of Strike A Chord
STEVE DIMOPOULOS MP Minister for Creative Industries, Victoria It seems like only yesterday that, sitting with Wilma Smith one day, she said to me; “we need a high school chamber music competition!”
HYWEL SIMS CEO Musica Viva Australia
I am particularly pleased that so many regional students have participated in the Novice Section, designed to encourage musicians in the early stages of their learning journey.
I congratulate the Musica Viva Australia team, and their many collaborators, who have worked tirelessly so that this initiative could reach as many young musicians as possible.
Congratulations to the more than 400 secondary students who have taken on the challenge of becoming chamber musicians – and a shout out to their dedicated teachers too. Thank you for sharing your music with us.
Strike A Chord, like its grown up and internationally recognised relative, the Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition, is a Victorian-based program with a much wider reach – and the Andrews Labor Government is very proud to support it.
Welcome to the third Strike A Chord, the national chamber music competition. Shining a spotlight on the most outstanding secondary school musicians, the competition celebrates the achievements of students at all stages of their musical journeys. This year, finalists will come together from all over Australia to compete on the Melbourne Recital Centre stage – one of the best music venues in the country.
INTERVAL 2 / PIANOBAJESHKAQUARTET NSW Piano Quartet 8 / STRINGPICCOLOQUARTET NSW String Quartet 3 / AMAZON TRIO NSW Clarinet, Cello, Piano 9 / DOMI VIC Flute, Oboe, Cello 6 / PIER STRING QUARTET NSW String Quartet 12 / ESPLANADE TRIO VIC Piano Trio 1 / TRIO BELLISSIMO QLD Piano Trio 7 / JPMSVOLANTEENSEMBLE QLD Percussion Quintet 4 / FINESSE QUARTET WA Violin Quartet 10 / THE INCREDIBOWS QLD String Quartet 5 / ESPERANZA SA Vocal Octet 11 / OPEN SCHOOL WINTHER QUARTET ACT Piano Quartet GRAND FINAL SATURDAY 27 AUGUST 2022, 2PM /AEST Live at / livestreamed from Melbourne Recital Centre 5
At Musica Viva Australia, we’re proud to be one of the world’s leading presenters of chamber music. Passionate about creating a vibrant musical future for Australia’s artists and audiences, we feel fortunate to nurture both established and emerging talent from around the country. We’re also committed to learning from our First Nations friends and colleagues how to most effectively include in our work the many peoples and languages that, together, comprise the oldest living culture in the world. When we were founded in 1945, we existed as a single Sydney-based ensemble. Since then, we’ve grown to become a national organisation and a major force in Australian musical life, delivering concerts with the highest artistic standards, education, and artist development initiatives across the country. Musica Viva Australia is committed to the future of classical music, and to being at the forefront of its evolution. Our dedication to the commissioning and programming of new Australian works is key to our vision, and through eclectic and thoughtful programming, we endeavour to lead the industry in presenting concerts that challenge and thrill all Passionateaudiences. about creating community through music, we are committed to bringing unforgettable shared experiences from extraordinary local and international musicians to our audiences in capital cities, regional centres, and remote communities.
As one of the leading providers of music education in Australia, Musica Viva Australia has been proudly bringing music to schools for more than 40 years, helping shape the lives of generations of Australian children and reaching close to 300,000 students annually. Dynamic performances by culturally-diverse ensembles are complemented by comprehensive lesson plans, interactive content, and professional development for teachers, building the capacity of schools to inspire, teach, and instil a love of Wemusic.are committed to identifying and developing new talent, whether it be secondary students, emerging artists, individuals from underrepresented groups, or ensembles on the brink of wide international recognition. Competitions, masterclasses, and professional development programs are just some of the ways we foster the careers of many of Australia’s finest musicians. Now in our eighth decade, join us as we continue to exhilarate, inspire, and delight. 6
The Strike A Chord Teachers’ Conference is designed to build capacity in the teaching of chamber music at secondary school level. Comprising panel discussions, interactive workshops and open coaching sessions presented by prominent musicians and teachers, the 2022 conference welcomes teachers at all career stages working with a wide range of students, in a format that brings teachers together live in the beautiful facilities of the Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music at Monash University, as well as streaming to music teachers from metropolitan and regional areas all over Australia. We hope that the seeds planted in the inaugural three years of Strike A Chord will take root, and help to create a flourishing community of people who care passionately about introducing the joy and challenge of chamber music to each new generation of young musicians.
THE CHAMPIONSHIP
The brainchild of Musica Viva Australia’s Artistic Director of Competitions, Wilma Smith, Strike A Chord was created to encourage the next generation of Australian musicians to experience the life-changing possibilities of chamber music, giving students the opportunity to explore their potential and discover the joy in making music with friends, whatever their level of ability.
The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown challenge after challenge to our prospective participants and our management team with lockdowns, cancellation of school co-curricular programs, border closures, and restrictions on the number of people permitted to gather. In light of this we transitioned to virtual events in 2020 and 2021, and in 2022 we are able to realise the initial vision of a live grand final bringing participants together from all over Australia. Strike A Chord was developed by Musica Viva Australia for its 75th anniversary in 2020, underpinned by critical funding from Creative Victoria, and presented in partnership with Melbourne Recital Centre and the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM). Its future is supported by Creative Victoria, Melbourne Recital Centre and Monash University, alongside additional generous collaborators.
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• Coaching staff and program Rehearsal room Closed performance opportunity
$2,000 Awarded for the best performance of an Australian work, which may include student compositions.
FLINDERS QUARTET MENTORSHIP PRIZE
the ChampionshipAwarded at the Grand Final 8
AUSTRALIAN MUSIC PRIZE
★ Esplanade Trio /VIC MONASH CHAMBER MUSIC PRIZE
For a group that resides outside one of the major capital cities. All-access pass to selected MRC concerts for one week (dates to be discussed and agreed upon with all parties), including travel and accommodation. Generously financially supported by Tom Breen.
FIRST PRIZE The Robert Salzer Prize $5,000 SECOND PRIZE The Paul Morawetz Prize $4,000 THIRD PRIZE The Laura Brown Prize $2,500 AUDIENCE PRIZE The Peter Druce Prize $2,000 FINALIST AWARD $500 (for 4th–12th place groups)
•
MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE REGIONAL PRIZE
• Accommodation for a trio/quartet plus 1 adult chaperone
THE PRIZES
Awarded at any stage of
•
A 12 month mentorship with the Flinders Quartet, awarded by the Jury in consultation with Flinders Quartet to a string quartet that shows commitment and potential to take their ensemble to the next level. The prize includes 10 mentorship sessions with Flinders Quartet members; 2 sessions on group development, career planning and concert presentation; performance in a Flinders Quartet subscription concert, including travel to and accommodation in Melbourne if required; and the opportunity to observe the Flinders Quartet in rehearsal throughout the year. Mentoring/ rehearsal sessions will take place remotely via online platform where necessary.
★ Orange Regional Conservatorium Horn Trio /NSW
The prize is awarded to a String Quartet or Piano Trio who adjudicators believe would most benefit from a week-long coaching residency.
$500 For the ensemble who throws the most interesting light on what chamber music can be – an award for enthusiasm and imagination, in personnel, repertoire or presentation.
YAMAHA WOODWIND PRIZE $200 YAMAHA KEYBOARD PRIZE $200 YAMAHA BRASS PRIZE $200 AUSTA STRING PRIZE $200 PERCUSSION PRIZE $200 MIXED ENSEMBLE PRIZE $200 JUNIOR PRIZE $200 NOVICE SECTION YAMAHA FIRST PRIZE $400 YAMAHA SECOND PRIZE $250 YAMAHA THIRD PRIZE $150 9
A 12 month mentorship with the Sutherland Trio, awarded by the Jury in consultation with Sutherland Trio to a piano trio that shows commitment and potential to take their ensemble to the next level. The prize includes 8 x 1-hour coaching sessions, unlimited access to any Sutherland Trio rehearsals, and a collaborative performance with Sutherland Trio to be held at Australian Digital Concert Hall. Travel to Melbourne may be subsidised where required.
INNOVATION AWARD
★ Esplanade Trio /VIC Domi /VIC FIRST ROUND AMEB EMERGING ENCOURAGEMENTENSEMBLEAWARD
$1,000 For a group that shows a need for additional resources: $500 worth of sheet music, and $500 cash contribution for professional development that supports performance (eg. recording, composition commission, or a masterclass).
SPIRIT OF CHAMBER PRIZE $200 For a group who the jury feels in some way touches upon the essential character and/or spirituality of a work and does not progress to the Grand Final. Generously provided by Elizabeth Sellars, in memory of John and Lesley Sellars
3MBS PRIZE Awarded by the Jury to the top two groups from Victoria. A live-to-air performance on 3MBS for the winning ensembles in one of their concert programs at a date suitable for both parties, including streaming + interview + social media. Ensembles will also receive a copy of their performance recording.
MUSIC
★
SUTHERLAND TRIO MENTORSHIP PRIZE
LEARN MORE ABOUT OFBACHELORTHEMUSIC
University’s Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music and Performance has connected people with music for more than 50 years. We’re proud to produce dynamic and creative national and international soloists, ensemble performers, composers, songwriters, teachers, creative music technology specialists and music researchers. We’re also the only university in Victoria to offer double degrees with music. Semester 1, 2023 applications now open monash.edu/arts/study/BMusic BACHELOR MUSICOF Choose a specialisation based on your career goals and interests – Music Performance (Classical or Jazz and Improvisation); Composition and Music Technology; or Popular Music Master technical and performance skills and develop specialised knowledge in your chosen practice Learn and collaborate with world leading musicians and be supported by our network of world-renowned academics and industry professionals STUDY OUR BACHELOR OF MUSIC AND YOU’LL: Gain access to diverse performance opportunities and global music industry Collaborate,connections create and perform in ensembles in each semester of your degree.
Monash
Originally from Perth, Western Australia, Anna’s love of classical performance has taken her through studies at the University of Western Australia, Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM) and the International Menuhin Music Academy in Switzerland (under the tutelage of Dr Suzanne Wijsman, Howard Penny and Niall Brown respectively). As a chamber musician Anna has appeared at numerous festivals and concert series around Australia and Internationally including the Adam Chamber Music Festival, Musica Viva Festival, Perth International Arts Festival, Melbourne Recital Centre Local Heroes Series, Bangalow Festival and Melbourne International Arts Festival.
Now in its second year, the Strike A Chord Novice Section has continued to grow and provide valuable performance and learning opportunities for ensembles in the earlier stages of their musical journey. Musica Viva Australia was thrilled to receive entries this year from as far afield as Mount Isa (QLD), Rockhampton (QLD), Canberra (ACT) and Darwin (NT).
NOVICE SECTION
Prof. McWilliams has been published in peerreviewed professional publications and is a composer/arranger with Alfred’s Music. In early 2015 he relocated to Brisbane, Australia and is currently working as Yamaha Music Australia’s Education Outreach Clinician and freelancing as a musician, educator, conductor, composer/ arranger, and adjudicator.
Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of Melbourne. Prof. McWilliams served as Professor of Music and Director of Bands and Instrumental Music Education at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh (USA) from 1996 to 2014 where he conducted symphonic and jazz ensembles, and taught courses in conducting, music education, and jazz. From 2011 he also served as Head of the Music Department. Prof. McWilliams has travelled extensively as a guest conductor and clinician and has conducted and presented at major music conferences in all states of Australia as well as Japan, Hong Kong, the UK, Singapore, Europe, and China, including conferences of the World Association of Symphonic Bands & Ensembles and the Tutti Beijing International Youth Music Festival.
JUROR JUROR
ANNA POKORNY Anna Pokorny is a freelance cellist currently based in MelbourneOrchestraChambertheregularlyofhasAustralia.Melbourne,ShethepleasureperformingwithAustralianOrchestra,Victoria, Symphony Orchestra, Melbourne Chamber Orchestra and Melbourne Chamber Players.
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ROB MCWILLIAMS Born and raised in Melbourne, Prof. Rob University,FloridaConductinginaMinnesota,theinholdsMcWilliamsaPh.D.MusicfromUniversityofMaster’sdegreeInstrumentalfromStateanda
We are grateful to Yamaha Music Australia for once again generously supporting the prizes in this section. Jurors Anna Pokorny and Dr Robert McWilliams were delighted with the effort, enthusiasm and initiative displayed by groups in this section, in particular the following groups that received a prize or Highly Commended award.
YAMAHA FIRST PRIZE ★ Darwin High School Saxophone Trio /NT YAMAHA SECOND PRIZE ★ Amethyst String Quartet /QLD YAMAHA THIRD PRIZE ★ Pitchless Firewood /QLD HIGHLY COMMENDED AWARD ★ Dollars and Cents /QLD ★ Resistance Quartet /QLD ★ Sapphire String Quartet /QLD ★ Treble Makers /QLD ★ Turquoise String Quartet /QLD
JUROR JUROR
Helen Ayres is a Doctoral graduate of the University of HillsofaAdelaide.UniversityMusicteacherandMelbournecurrentviolinattheOpenAcademy,ofSheiscoremembertheAdelaideChamber players and has appeared as guest with numerous Australian small ensembles including Flinders Quartet, Syzygy, the Australian Octet and Melbourne Chamber Orchestra. Helen held a permanent position with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and has since performed in England, Scotland, Germany, Austria and China with the BBC Scottish Symphony and London Philharmonic AsOrchestra.afounding member of Seraphim trio, Helen has performed with musicians Paul Kelly, Kristian Winther, Andrew Haveron, and commissioned new works by Brett Dean, James Ledger and Adelaide’s Jakob Jankowski. Helen is passionate about increasing performance opportunities for young Australian musicians. To this end she is appears on the board of Recitals Australia, convenes the String and Ensemble Divisions of the Adelaide Eisteddfod Society and works as a presenter for radio 5MBS.
HELEN AYRES
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AMIR FARID US-born imbuingtomusicalHeandofmusician“abeenAmirAustralianIranianpianistFaridhasdescribedashighlycreative–apianistgreatintelligenceintegrity.bringsstrongsubstanceallthathedoes,itwithhis own particular experience and understanding”, and who “in a well-populated field...distinguishes himself for all the right reasons”. A graduate of the Royal College of Music London, he is a sought-after artist in venues and festivals internationally, such as Carnegie Hall, Mostly Mozart Festival at Lincoln Center, Musica Viva Festival, Huntington Festival, Mona Foma, and Kuwait Chamber Philharmonia. He has performed concerti with the major Australian orchestras, and collaborated with artists such as tenor Ian Bostridge, saxophonist Claude Delangle, and violinist Arabella Steinbacher. His numerous recordings are heard frequently on radio stations throughout Australia and internationally, including as pianist of the Benaud Trio, and several have been nominated for an Australian Independent Music Award. Amir is also a recorded artist on the Steinway & Sons Spirio catalogue, as part of the piano manufacturer’s revolutionary player-piano system. Between 2017–2020, Amir was a staff pianist at the Juilliard School, and a rehearsal pianist with the New York Philharmonic. He divides his time between Australia and the USA.
FIRST ROUND Strike A Chord strives to celebrate the sincere and joyful accomplishments of secondary school chamber groups from all over Australia. Our First Round Jurors, Amir Farid and Helen Ayres, were delighted to present the following encouragement awards to groups that did not progress to the 2022 Grand Final. Congratulations to all!
AMEB EMERGING ENCOURAGEMENTENSEMBLEAWARD ★ St. George Brass Band Junior Quartet /NSW INNOVATION AWARD ★ Bluebell String Quartet +1 /ACT SPIRIT OF CHAMBER MUSIC PRIZE ★ Quartet 701 /VIC YAMAHA WOODWIND PRIZE ★ Sydney Grammar School Senior Quintet /NSW ★ The Goossens Geese /NSW ★ Ensemble Fontegara /QLD ★ Men In Black /VIC ★ Balwyn High School Senior Flute Ensemble /VIC YAMAHA KEYBOARD PRIZE ★ Staccato Piano Trio /WA ★ Cranbrook Piano Trio /NSW ★ Bedriska /VIC ★ MLC School 40 Fingers /NSW ★ Sturt St Trio /VIC YAMAHA BRASS PRIZE ★ Darwin High School Brass Quartet /NT ★ Orange Regional Conservatorium Wind Trio /NSW AUSTA STRING PRIZE ★ String Theory /WA ★ DmiTrio /QLD ★ JAYS Quartet /VIC ★ The Schwammerl Quintet /NSW PERCUSSION PRIZE ★ Desmosedici /QLD ★ Tavullia /QLD ★ JPMS Ensemble Sonore /QLD MIXED ENSEMBLE PRIZE ★ The Henley Flute Quartet /VIC ★ Young Conservatorium Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University Chamber Ensemble /QLD ★ St Andrew’s Cathedral School Trio /NSW JUNIOR PRIZE ★ Krumlov Trio /VIC ★ Serenade Trio /WA ★ Sydney Grammar School Year 9 Piano Quintet /NSW 15
As an educator, Lisa-Maree is member of the flute staff at Melbourne Conservatorium of Music and for over a decade has hosted her weekend course, Flute Audition Masterclass. In 2021 this developed into a comprehensive 8-week virtual course where students participated from around the world.
At 21, Lisa-Maree started her professional career as Guest Principal Flute with the BBC Symphony in the London Proms. After decades of international performing, Lisa-Maree returned to Australia as Principal Flute of Orchestra Victoria, working closely with the Australian Ballet, Opera Australia, Victorian Opera and a variety of on-stage performing and recording.
Career highlights include a 10 year tenure as Principal Flute with the Colorado Music Festival, Guest Principal with the Boston Symphony, touring the UK with the Royal Ballet Sinfonia and at the Royal Opera House, performances at Wigmore Hall, international tours with contemporary ensemble Jane’s Minstrels, and performing several times at the National Flute Convention, USA.
All jurors have openly declared any teaching, tutoring or other involvement with finalist groups and as such all groups will be judged impartially on the basis of their performance at the Grand Final.
Louisa Breen was born in Melbourne and began her piano lessons with Nehama Patkin. After attending the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School, she graduated from the University of Melbourne and subsequently began Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Performance at the Royal College of Music in London where she graduated with Distinction. Louisa then completed her Masters in Musical Performance, followed by two years as an RCM Junior WhileFellow.in the UK, Louisa won many prizes including the highest prize for piano at the Royal College of Music, the Chappell Gold Medal. She has toured Asia and Australasia and performed regularly as a soloist and chamber musician in concerts throughout the UK. She has performed concertos with orchestras in Australia, the UK, Europe and New Zealand, including the European Premiere of Carl Vine’s Piano Concerto. In 2005 Louisa returned to live in Melbourne where she performs regularly as a solo and chamber musician, and with the Melbourne and Sydney Symphony Orchestras. She is a resident pianist at the Australian National Academy of Music, and has released a CD of Australian compositions for two Louisapianists.enjoys good food, riding her bicycle, and being the mother of two rapidly growing boys.
In addition to her work with Orchestra Victoria, future engagements include performances at the Australian Digital Concert Hall, virtual Guest Artist for the Syrinx Flute Festival in Winnipeg, and a Flute Tutor for the National Music Camp 2023.
LISA-MAREE AMOS LOUISA BREEN 16
THE JURY
MCCARTHY EUAN
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Micheál McCarthy is a specialist in the areas of Aural and Choral Training. He studied at the Cork School of Music in Ireland (violin, piano and double bass). He graduated from University College Cork and pursued postgraduate studies at the Zoltán Kodály Pedagogical Institute of Music in Kecskemét, Hungary, studying under Péter Erdei. Micheál has held lecturing positions at the Canberra School of Music (ANU), the Tasmanian Conservatorium of Music and the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, Edith Cowan University, where he is currently Senior Lecturer in Music. He is the founding director of Eneksis, one of Australia’s finest university vocal ensembles, and his choirs have featured on ABC Classic. He featured as ‘Classroom Music and Choir Mentor’ in the 3-part ABC Television’s documentary series, ‘Don’t Stop the Music’ - a series that set out to show the transformative effects that music can have on schools. He is the Director of Cottage Music Institute, a school that provides specialist Musicianship and Choral Training for children aged 5-16 years of age. He conducts workshops for teachers in Australia and overseas, and many of these workshops have featured at national and international conferences.
Co-Concertmaster of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, violinist Sophie Rowell has had an extensive performing career as a soloist, chamber musician and principal orchestral violinist both in Australia and abroad. After winning the ABC Young Performer’s Award in 2000, Sophie founded the Tankstream Quartet which won string quartet competitions in Cremona and Osaka. Having studied in Germany with the Alban Berg Quartet the quartet moved back to Australia in 2006 when they were appointed as the Australian String Quartet. During the six seasons of their tenure, the ASQ performed and recorded at chamber music festivals all over the world including the QuartetFest Bonn as part of the Beethoven Festival and performances for remote communities on Cape York in Far North Queensland. Before being appointed to the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Sophie played in principal violin positions with the Scottish and Mahler Chamber Orchestras, and the Vancouver, Sydney, Adelaide and Tasmanian Symphony Orchestras. Sophie studied with Beryl Kimber in Adelaide, then with Alice Waten in Sydney. She has participated in masterclasses with eminent musicians such as Sir Yehudi Menuhin and Walter Levin (LaSalle Quartet.) She is the Head of Chamber Music (Strings) at the Australian National Academy of Music, and has given masterclasses in the UK, France, Singapore and throughout Australia.
Euan Murdoch is CEO of Melbourne Recital Centre comprising two worldclass performance spaces known for architectural innovation and acoustic perfection. He was Director of Te Kōkī New Zealand School of Music and Chief Executive of Chamber Music New Zealand (2006-2014). As a cellist, teacher and chamber musician, he has worked throughout the world including as a jury member for competitions at Wigmore Hall and St Martin-in-the-Fields. He adjudicated the first two national finals of Strike a Chord and regularly adjudicates the NZ Chamber Music Contest. His aim is to bring music closer to people as an essential part of daily life.
MICHEÁL SOPHIEMURDOCHROWELL
Richard STRAUSS (1864–1949)
I Allegro QLD NSW
ISABELLA OXENBRIDGE PIANO
Canterbury College Y8
Patrick J. ZIMMERLI (b 1968)
Named after its players ‘Bella’ and the ‘Li’ brothers, Trio Bellissimo have been playing together since primary school as part of Canterbury College’s thriving Chamber Music program. Coached by Tim Li, the Trio have been invited to perform at the Laeiszhalle in Hamburg, Germany, and at the Klassiek op het Amstelveld Festival in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Winners of numerous competitions in Brisbane and Gold Coast over the years, the Trio have performed at UQ Showcase in 2018 and 2019, and more recently, in the Concert Hall of QPAC. In addition to traditional masterpieces, the Trio enjoys exploring rarities from a range of genres including jazz, rock, pop, tangos, and modern works.
PIANOBAJESHKAQUARTETISABELLASUNVIOLIN
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GEORGE LI CELLO Canterbury College Y6
Abbotsleigh School Y10
JOSHUA ZHI PIANO Sydney Technical High School Y10
Trio No. 1 for Violin, Cello and Piano (2001) 10’00”
TRIOHAYDNBELLISSIMOLIVIOLIN
IV Molto Rubato - Largo - Presto
Isabella, Hayley, Jack and Joshua have been close friends for many years but they only started playing as a chamber group in February this year. This group is mentored by Mr Fox Chan. All members are scholarship recipients at the Rising Stars Program of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Joshua studies with Dr Paul Rickard-Ford, Isabella and Hayley study with Mr Fox Chan and Jack studies with Ms Susan Blake. They are all accomplished soloists and prize-winners of Alf & Pearl Pollard Memorial Instrumental Awards, NSW Secondary Schools Concerto Competition, Melbourne International Piano & String Festival Competition, XI International Balys Dvarionas Competition, Vienna International Music Competition and many more.
HAYLEY LAU VIOLA Wenona School Y10
JACK THEAKSTON CELLO Hills Grammar School Y10
Piano Quartet in C Minor, Op. 13 (1884–85) 11’00”
Canterbury College Y9
The Amazon Trio comprises clarinettist Aine Oo (Year 9), cellist Gabrielle Zhong (Year 11) and pianist Ella Liu (Year 9). All members of the trio are Music Scholars attending Pymble Ladies’ College. The ensemble was established in 2021, under the guidance of Mrs Sabina Turner (former Head of CoCurricular Performing Arts). The trio has worked with various renowned artists and musicians including Frank Celata, Zoltán Szabó, Clemens Leske and Kathryn Selby. The name “Amazon” reflects the powerful ancient female warriors with their synchronicity and passion. As a group they strive to be closely bonded and musically complete. Johannes BRAHMS (1833–1897) Trio for Clarinet, Violoncello and Piano, Op. 114 (1891) 7’50” I Allegro WANSW 19
AMAZON TRIO
AINE OO CLARINET
GABRIELLE ZHONG CELLO Pymble Ladies’ College Y9 ELLA LIU PIANO
Pymble Ladies’ College Y9
Johann Sebastian BACH (1685–1750) arr. John KEEN Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, BWV 565 (1831) arranged for Violin Quartet 8’15”
AURELIA KRYSTAL QAQISH VIOLIN Presbyterian Ladies’ College Y8
AUDREY ANTOINETTE JARVIS VIOLIN Home School Y7
FINESSE QUARTET
JESSICA HUAN VIOLIN Penrhos College Y8
AMELIA JANE O’KEEFE VIOLIN All Saints College Y9
Pymble Ladies’ College Y11
The members of Finesse Quartet are all students of Margaret Blades, based in Perth, WA. The quartet evolved from a desire to provide interesting and challenging music for four violins and to improve ensemble skills, whilst also providing a sense of teamwork and community. The quartet has won prizes in local eisteddfods, won the Junior Prize at Strike A Chord in 2021 and in March this year performed for a Humanitarian Benefit Concert for Ukraine at the Perth Concert Hall. All members are thrilled to be finalists in 2022.
I Allegro con brio
ESPERANZA Esperanza is an 8-piece vocal ensemble, named after the Spanish word for “hope.” In 2020 Esperanza was named as the overall champion of the Advanced Contemporary division of the Southern Stars choral competition. In 2021 they placed first in Division 1 as part of JazzFest, and this year placed first in the Generations in Jazz open section. As previous finalists in Strike a Chord, Esperanza recorded a music video of the beautiful hymn they presented, “How Great Thou Art”. This has been widely viewed on YouTube. Each member is part of a larger group “Enchante” who has released an album on Spotify called “Enchante Live”. arr. Scott SHATTUCK
Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827)
String Quartet No. 1, Op. 18 (1799) 10’00”
The Pier String Quartet was formed in 2022 under the mentorship of the Australian Chamber Orchestra’s Aiko Goto. The Quartet takes its name from the state-of-the-art new home of the ACO, where its members met as participants in the ACO Academy program. The quartet comprises of Misato Mizuno, Stephanie Chew, Vince Li and Vincent Zhu, students of Haruo Goto, Professor Ole Böhn, Jane Hazelwood and Thomas Tsai respectively. Each individual member of the quartet is an accomplished soloist in their own right. Together, they share a mutual love and devotion for chamber music and are determined to explore the repertoire as one.
PIER STRING QUARTET
Traditional English melody and Latin text: What Child is This? 4’20” SAMANTHA KEOUGH SOPRANO 1 St Peter’s Girls’ School Y12ZARA BLIGHT SOPRANO 2 St Peter’s Girls’ School Y10STELLA RASHEED SOPRANO 3 St Peter’s Girls’ School Y12EMMA POOL SOPRANO 4 St Peter’s Girls’ School Y12SOPHIE NORMAN ALTO 1 St Peter’s Girls’ School Y11DAISY KENNETT ALTO 2 St Peter’s Girls’ School Y11GRACE DWYER ALTO 3 St Peter’s Girls’ School Y11AYSHVIINA NAIR ALTO 4 St Peter’s Girls’ School Y11 MISATO MIZUNO VIOLIN Queenwood School Y9 STEPHANIE CHEW VIOLIN Presbyterian Ladies’ College, Sydney Y9 VINCE LI VIOLA Sydney Grammar School Y9 VINCENT ZHU CELLO The Conservatorium High School Y9 NSWSA 20
Franz SCHUBERT (1797–1828) Quartet No. 14 in D Minor, D. 810 ‘Death and the Maiden’ (1824) 11’00”
String
Established in 2019, the Piccolo String Quartet performed for the Galston Concert, Bendigo Chamber Music Festival and ANAM in 2022. Under the tutelage of Fox Chan, the group has been given opportunity to work with amazing musicians such as Wilma Smith, Amir Farid, David Elton, Sophie Rowell, Tim Young, David Thomas, David Dalseno and Susan Blake. All members are students from the Rising Stars Program of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Not only are the members devoted chamber musicians, but also accomplished soloists, scholarship recipients and prize-winners of local & international competitions. They are deeply passionate about music and are looking forward to sharing their performance with you all.
Conversations in the Forest III (1997) 9’00” ISABELLA SUN VIOLIN Abbotsleigh School Y10 JONAH SHI VIOLIN Knox Grammar School Y8 HAYLEY LAU VIOLA Wenona School Y10 JACK THEAKSTON CELLO Hills Grammar School Y10 THEO HIDAJAT PERCUSSION Mansfield State High School Y12 CHANTEL CHEN PERCUSSION Brisbane State High School Y10 CRAIG LIN PERCUSSION Brisbane State High School Y10 DANIEL HSIEH PERCUSSION Brisbane State High School Y9 FREDERICK CHEN PERCUSSION Sunnybank Hills Primary School Y5 NSWQLD 21
I Allegro
VOLANTE As prize winning soloists and chamber musicians, Theo, Chantel, Craig, Daniel and Frederick have shared their live performances with audiences across Australia and digitally across the world. Together as J Percussion Music School Ensemble Volante, they work to bring listeners their interpretation of the most virtuosic and colourful works from the percussion repertory. They are excited to share the thrilling energy and extraordinary soundscape of Conversation in the Forest by Japanese Marimba Master, Keiko Abe. Keiko ABE (b 1937)
STRINGPICCOLOQUARTET
ENSEMBLEJPMS
Y6
1; Divertimento in C Major,
I Allegro vivace assai EIN NA VIOLIN Somerville House Y8
ERIC KIM VIOLIN Anglican Church Grammar School HAYDN LI Canterbury College LI CELLO Canterbury College DOMI Domi comes from the Latin word domus, meaning “of the home”. After multiple lockdowns and playing music online, the three decided to form an independent ensemble to extend and explore a shared love of chamber music. All members of Domi have won a multitude of awards and prizes throughout their musical careers and have been selected to take part in AYO programs over the last couple of years. Freddy studies flute with Alan Hardy. Serena learns oboe and cor anglais with Anne Gilby and also enjoys both vocal lessons and piano. Both Freddy and Serena are in year 12 and are music captains at their school. Nick who is in year 9 studies cello with Rachel Atkinson and has learnt both piano and drumkit. Joseph HAYDN (1732–1809) No. Hob.IV:1 (1794) 8’00”
FREDERICK BRANSON FLUTE Camberwell Grammar School Y12 SERENA CHEN OBOE Yarra Valley Grammar School Y12 NICHOLAS BRANSON CELLO Camberwell Grammar School Y9 QLDVIC 22
London Trio
Four childhood friends playing together for the first time in March this year, The IncrediBows have already won numerous eisteddfods in South East Queensland. The string quartet is coached by Adam Chalabi of the Tinalley Quartet, and Tim Li. Between the four players, they share an extensive list of accomplishments and experiences as concerto soloists, chamber musicians, scholarship recipients, prize-winners in state and international competitions, and concertmasters of Queensland Youth Orchestra ensembles. The IncrediBows enjoys exploring genres beyond the classics in the string quartet repertoire, including jazz, funk, bossa nova, and tango.
Felix MENDELSSOHN (1809–1847)
Y9
VIOLA
Y9 GEORGE
String Quartet No. 6 in F Minor, Op. 80 (1847) 7’30”
THE INCREDIBOWS
Formed in 2021 under the tutelage of Josephine Vains, the Esplanade Trio consists of three equally driven individuals. The group prides themselves on their ability to play a wide range of musical styles, their conviction and exciting stage presence, of which they have been praised for. The group are active performers in various chamber music competitions and have won several prizes, as well as having participated in the 2021 Melbourne Conservatorium Young Artist Academy program. The trio is utterly grateful to Josephine for her guidance and encouragement, and are thrilled to be selected as a 2022 Strike A Chord finalist.
OPEN WINTHERSCHOOLQUARTET
The Open School Winther Quartet is based in Canberra at the ANU Open School of Music and the ensemble is part of the Developing Musicians Program. The members enjoy rehearsing together as a group every Friday afternoon, under the guidance of two wonderful tutors, Kirsten Williams and Rachel Johnston. The four musicians that make up this quartet are Chris (17), Madeleine (17), Alex (16), and Zachary (16).
ESPLANADE TRIO
Robert SCHUMANN (1810–1856) Piano Quartet No. 2 in E-Flat Major, Op. 47 (1842) 10’20” I Sostenuto assai – allegro ma non troppo Ross EDWARDS (b 1943) Piano Trio (1998) 10’30” I Alegretto III Allegro Assai SOPHIA SHAW VIOLIN Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School Y12 ARJUN SINGH CELLO Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School Y12 CAITLIN SATYADHARMA PIANO Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School Y12 MADELEINE NELSON VIOLIN Canberra Girls Grammar School Y11 ALEX MONRO VIOLA Canberra Grammar School Y10 ZACHARY CONNOR CELLO Campbell High School Y10 CHRIS PARNELL PIANO Brindabella Christian College Y12 VICACT 23
M I C MELBOURNEMINTERNATIONAL CHAMBER MUSIC COMPETITION Principal Partner Grand Prize PartnerStrategic Partner (applications close 30 sep) musicaviva.com.au/micmcC 2—9 JULY 2023 Competition Producer
• 3 Bows Trio • abc^2 • Allemande Quartet • Amabile Quartet • Amazon Trio • Amber String Quartet • Amethyst String Quartet • Armónico Quintet • Azurite Chamber Group • Bajeshka Piano Quartet • Balwyn High School Senior Flute Ensemble • Balwyn High School String Quartet • BARettes • Bedriska • Bellissimo Flute Ensemble • Bent Metal • BFG- Big Friendly Giants • Bismuth String Trio • Bits Of Rondeau • Bluebell String Quartet +1 • Bob Hawke College String Trio • Brass Brigade • Cathedral School String Quartet • Cranbrook Piano Trio • Darwin High School Brass Quartet • Darwin High School Piano Trio • Darwin High SaxophoneSchoolTrio • Desmosedici • DmiTrio • Dollars and Cents • Domi • ElthamChamberCollegeEnsemble • Ensemble Fontegara • Esperanza • Esplanade Trio • Exit Trio • Finesse Quartet • Firbank Flute Ensemble • Funtet • Iolite String Quartet • JAYS Quartet • Jems Quartet • JPMS Ensemble Sonore • JPMS Ensemble Volante • Krumlov Trio • Lazurite Chamber Group • Le Band • MacKillop Allegro Quintet • MacKillop Gymnopedie Quartet • Mansfield High Clarinet Quintet • Melbourne Girls Grammar Oboe Quartet • Melbourne Grammar School String Quartet • Men in Black • MLC School 40 Fingers • MLC School 8 hands Piano Ensemble • Moonlight Quartet • MSGSaxophoneMansfieldGroup • NC^2 Trio • Newy Quartet • NTMS Middle School Guitar Trio • One S.E.C • Open School Fraillon Trio • Open School Hawke Trio • Open School Karmel Trio • Open School Llewellyn Trio • Open School Painter Quartet • OpenWintherSchoolQuartet • OrangeConservatoriumRegional Horn Trio • OrangeConservatoriumRegional Wind Trio • Piccolo String Quartet • Pier String Quartet • Pitchless Firewood • PLC Armidale Advanced Chamber Ensemble • PLC Armidale String Quartet • Pritel Quartet • Quartet 701 • Resistance Quartet • Saint Mary MacKillop College Senior Trio • Sapphire String Quartet • Serenade Trio • Serenity String Quartet • Sleepy Flutes • St Andrew’s Cathedral School Piano Quintet • St Andrew’s Cathedral School Trio • St. George Brass Band Junior Quartet • St Hilda’s Piano Trio • Staccato Piano Trio • Strike Trio • String Theory • Sturt St. Trio • Sydney Grammar School Senior Quintet • Sydney Grammar School Year 9 Piano Quintet • Tavullia • TEK Trio • Telemann Tigers • TEN Loose NETs • The APC Piano Trio • The Bingus Trio • The Goossens Geese • The Henley Flute Quartet • The IncrediBows • The Power Puffers • The Schwammerl Quintet • The Selby Piano Trio • The Southport School String Trio • The Vivace Trio • Treble Makers • Trinity College Senior Clarinet Ensemble • Trio Avante • Trio Bellissimo • Trio con Brio • Turquoise String Quartet • Unknown Trio • Varnished Wood Ensemble • Violin Queentet • Volar Chamber Strings • Von Einem Quartet • Wesley College (SKR) Piano Quartet • YoungEnsembleUniversityConservatoriumQueenslandConservatoriumGriffithChamber ALL 2022 ENTRIES 25
PAST CHAMPIONS AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL ACADEMY OF MUSIC PRIZE 2 0 2 1 Piccolo String Quartet /NSW 2020 Cousin Quartet /NSW ANAM ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD 2 0 2 1 James Campbell String Quartet /VIC FLINDERS QUARTET MENTORSHIP PRIZE 2 0 2 1 Pirulí String Quartet /SA 2020 Cousin Quartet /NSW Eureka Quartet /VIC FIRST PRIZE 2 0 2 1 AMOGUS TRIO /QLD 2020 COUSIN QUARTET /NSW SECOND PRIZE 2 0 2 1 JPMS Ensemble Spirito /QLD 2020 JPMS Ensemble Brillante /QLD THIRD PRIZE 2 0 2 1 False Relations /NSW 2020 The Lashavi Trio /NSW LOCKDOWN LEGENDS FIRST PRIZE 2020 EUREKA QUARTET /VIC LOCKDOWN LEGENDS SECOND PRIZE 2020 Miles Street 4 /VIC LOCKDOWN LEGENDS THIRD PRIZE 2020 Scotch College Horn Trio /VIC FINALIST AWARD 2021 Bartholdy Trio /NSW, Canberra Reds /ACT, Four Strings /WA, James Campbell String Quartet /VIC, Piccolo String Quartet /NSW, Pirulí String Quartet /SA, Shell-Shocked Percussion Quartet /QLD, Trio Finifugal /VIC, Vdub /VIC 2020 Cellolujah /VIC, Esperanza /SA, JPMS Ensemble Animato /QLD, Lammoyip Trio /NSW, Magnolia Quintet /NSW, The Millenium Trio /WA, Open School Trio /ACT, Piccolo Piano Quartet /NSW, Serendipity Quartet /NSW SUTHERLAND TRIO MENTORSHIP PRIZE 2 0 2 1 Amogus Trio /QLD GANDEL AUSTRALIAN MUSIC PRIZE 2 0 2 1 False Relations /NSW 3MBS PRIZE 2 0 2 1 Trio Finifugal /VIC Vdub /VIC MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE REGIONAL PRIZE 2 0 2 1 Shearwater Trio /NSW 2020 Cairns State High School Clarinet Quartet /QLD BENDIGO CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL PRIZE 2 0 2 1 Amogus Trio /QLD Piccolo String Quartet /NSW 2020 Eureka Quartet /VIC Scotch College Horn Trio /VIC GALSTON CONCERTS PRIZE 2 0 2 1 Bartholdy Trio /NSW Piccolo String Quartet /NSW AUSTRALIAN COMPOSITION PRIZE 2020 Cellolujah /VIC AUDIENCE PRIZE 2 0 2 1 JPMS Ensemble Spirito /QLD 2020 JPMS Ensemble Brillante /QLD 26
AUSTA is an association of teachers, players and makers of bowed string instruments which promotes excellence in all aspects of performance, teaching, composing, conducting and string instrument making.
AUSTA is pleased to support the Strike a Chord National Chamber ChampionshipMusic
AUSTA inspires and supports the string community and facilitates communication at local, national and international levels.www.austa.asn.au
musicaviva.com.au Tue 20 Sep, 7pm Sat 24 Sep, 7pm Melbourne Recital Centre Livestream: Tue 27 Sep, 7pm (AEST) VIVA EDGE Tue 18 Oct, 12pm The Edge, Fed Square Sat 12 Nov, 7pm Tue 22 Nov, 7pm Melbourne Recital Centre Livestream: Mon 21 Nov, 7pm (AEDT) AVI AVITAL & GIOVANNI SOLLIMA MICHELLE NICOLLE QUARTET SIGNUM SAXOPHONE QUARTET & KRISTIAN WINTHER BOOK YOUR 2023 PROGRAMSNOW 29
We would like to thank the following people and organisations for their invaluable contribution to Strike A Chord 2022: And of course, to all the students, teachers and parents who have participated in the third Strike A Chord. Thank you for your enthusiasm, dedication and perseverance in this year of continuing change and challenge. ABCaudioClassicrecording team AV1 livestream team Lisa-Maree Amos Wendy Avilov Helen Ayres Nick HelenThomasTeresaMatthewJamesBernardElizabethCarolineLouiseVitaJacksonZoëChloeNicoleFionaLouisaFionaSallyLeahDylanMargaretBaileyBarrettBatterhamBlankendaalBoudBoundyBreenCampbellCanhamChungCobden-JewittCoeDaleyDavidsonDavisDedmanDepasqualedeRozarioDeweyDinhDrentDwyer Marianne Edwards Susan Eldridge Lucy Ericson April Erskine Amir MarshallAdrianMicheálKieranJamesSemraPantelisZoeEmilyAnnaKanyandekweStéphanieCassandraYuriStevenBernadetteJamesPaulSabrinaHelenthereseAuraJoeAnneFaridFrankenbergGelonesiGoGoodGovicGrabowskyGrantHarveyHodgsonHuijgJoosKabanyanaKellyKellyKnightonKrestasLee-SmithLeFevreLynchMcCarthyMcEnieryMcGuire Janet WilliamMusicaEuanJamesKerrynSeanJamieMelbourneKateAnneliseKerrySamanthaRobRowenaAnnaPaulAndreaMcKayMcKenzieMcMahonMcMichaelMacNeishMcWilliamsMackMartinMaurerMazoudierRecitalCentrevenuestaffMillsMoloneyMoreyMountainMurdochVivaAustraliaVictorianCommittee:JaneFyfield,presidentAlastairCampbellAurelieCostesRobertGibbsDorotheaJosemSaschaKellyCarmelMorfuniAdrianNyeNg Lamorna Nightingale Qian TimothyAaronFloraKiyaHannahLisaRussellMatPrueKiaNedWilmaDanielHariDominikaJohnMarieseElizabethSophieSimonChristaClaireAnnaLeahKiranHowardOngPennyPhatakPhillipsPokornyPortekPowellRickardRowellSellarsShallardSharkeySikorskaSivanesanSmithSmithSpeldewindeStockdaleStoneTaylorThomsonTrevellickTungatevanDerLinden-KianWongWyattYoung ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 30
Individual Gifts DONORS + PARTNERS Principal Partner Philanthropic PartnerKey Philanthropic Partners TOM BREEN Founding Patron of the DevelopmentNationalProgram Musica Viva Australia is supported by the NSW Governmen through Create NSW. Musica Viva Australia is assisted by the Commonwealth Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body. Musica Viva Australia is a not-for-profit organisation endorsed by the Australian Taxation Office as a Deductible Gift Recipient and registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). University PartnerStrategic Partner Partners $20,000 - $49,000 Mercer Family AldridgeTheThe$10,000AnonymousFoundation(2)-$19,999DruceFamilyMorawetzFamily$5,000-$9,999FamilyEndowmentDrCraigReynolds$500-$4,999AndrewBlanckenseeAlastair&SueCampbellKatherineKempJanetMcDonaldShelley&EuanMurdochLindsay&SuzanneSilbertFatherRichardSmithMusicaVivaAustraliaVictorianCommitteeMusicaVivaAustraliaWACommitteeMargaretOatesAnonymous$100-$499ElizabethGee 31
PO Box 1687 Gadigal Country Strawberry Hills NSW championship@musicaviva.com.au2012musicaviva.com.au/strikeachordstrikeachordau soopknife.comdesign: