Sixteen ensembles to battle it out in the seventh international chamber competition.

Over the past five months, the hunt for some of the world’s most talented young chamber musicians has been taking place. Now, as that search nears its end, the Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition has announced its 16 finalists. Held every four years, the competition, presented by Chamber Music Australia, is regarded as one of the top awards of its kind in the world, recognising the best and brightest talents, aged under 35 years-old.

Eight string quartets and eight piano trios have been selected from almost 50 ensembles worldwide following an international auditions tour, which visited Melbourne, Vienna, Hanover, Paris, London and New York. Australian pianist and composer Ian Munro was one of the judges who during the three-week screening process was charged with whittling this number down. Munro’s criteria included a sense of fun and familiarity. “The particular beauty of chamber music is often said to relate to an intimate conversation,” he said. “I like to hear a small group playing as if they were sharing a game that surprises and delights them as they go along.”

Of the 16 groups chosen as 2015’s finalists,...