Musica Viva Australia has announced the 12 finalists competing in its 2024 Strike A Chord national chamber music competition. This year marks the fourth and largest edition of the competition, which received more entries than ever before.

This year’s 12 finalists are the Aneres Piano Trio (VIC), The Astra Octet (NSW), The Fritzi Trio (NSW), The Frosty Shosty Quartet (NSW) JPMS Ensemble Animato (QLD), Kingussie Trio (VIC), Lumina Quartet (NSW), Marryatville High School Baroque Ensemble (SA), Syncopact (ACT), Take Six (QLD), Timli Trio (QLD) and Trio Fantastique (WA).

The Incredibows at the 2022 Strike A Chord Grand Final. Photo © James Grant

The prize pool, valued at over $60,000, offers a mix of cash prizes and professional development opportunities. The top award, the Robert Salzer Prize is worth $5,000, the Paul Morawetz Prize $4,000 and the third prize $2,500. 

The competition also offers a $1,500 Encouragement Award, a $500 prize to finalists in 4th–12th place and the Monash Chamber Music Prize, which grants an ensemble a week-long coaching residency at Monash University.

At any stage in the competition,...