Strike A Chord National Chamber Music Championships

Next edition

Edition

2027

Dates

Rules from early 2027; entries 3–28 May; finalists 21 June; National Final 28 August (dates as shown on the official page)

Location

Melbourne

Registration deadline

28 May

Source: musicaviva.com.au

Overview

Australia's national chamber music competition for young ensembles, run by Musica Viva Australia, with a Foundation section and a Championship section culminating in a National Final at Melbourne Recital Centre. Championship ensembles of 3 to 8 players at about AMEB Certificate of Performance/A.Mus.A level.

Organiser

Musica Viva Australia (with Melbourne Recital Centre)

Instruments

Chamber ensembles of 3–8 players (strings, winds, brass, percussion, keyboard, mixed)

Category

Piano chamber music, Brass ensembles, Percussion, Wind & brass ensembles

Age limits

Young (school-age) ensembles; exact age rules in the 2027 Rules and Regulations (published early 2027)

Jury & prizes

Jury

• Wilma Smith (Jury Chair, 2026)
• First-round jurors 2026: Edward Neeman, Francesca Hiew, Mark Bain, Nicholas Russoniello, Nicole Canham, Patrick Murphy, Sonia Croucher, Sulki Yu

Prizes

• Cash prizes and Bronze/Silver/Gold/Platinum certificates per section (2027)
• First-round category prizes incl. a Brass Prize, Woodwind, String, Percussion, Keyboard, Mixed Ensemble prizes

Past editions

• 2026 — Melbourne Recital Centre, 29 August 2026 source
  Foundation section (school-age ensembles) · ensemble

  • 1st prize — Banksia Quartet (VIC)

  Championship (school-age ensembles) · ensemble

  • Brass Prize (first round) — Kingsland Brass Quintet (ACT)