Strike A Chord 2026
Congratulations to our Winners and Finalists for Strike A Chord 2026!
Phillip Island to Perth; Coffs Harbour to Cairns, school-aged chamber musicians across the country have raised the bar in 2026. Now it’s time to celebrate the massive effort behind this year’s competition.
With 170 entries from a record breaking 683 musicians across the entire competition, this year’s results reflect the creativity, commitment, and diversity of Australia’s young chamber musicians.
See our full list of Foundation Section and Championship Section First Round Winners below
Championship Section Finalists
Congratulations to the twelve ensembles who have been selected as our 2026 Finalists. They’ll perform live at Melbourne Recital Centre on 29 August for a national audience and judging panel.
ATC Trio (QLD)
The Celeste Quartet (SA)
CHROMOS Trio (WAAPA) (WA)
ELIJA Quartet (QLD)
JPMS Ensemble Sonore (QLD)
Kingsland Piano Trio (ACT)
Kingussie Trio (VIC)
LED Trio (VIC)
Nightingale Trio (VIC)
Quartet Avenoir (TAS/QLD/NSW/VIC)
Quatuor Fabriqués (VIC)
Vanta Quartet (NSW)
Book your tickets or register for our live stream via the link below
Jurors
Each year, we hand-pick a panel of Australia’s leading chamber musicians to judge our Championship and Foundation sections. Meet our 2026 jurors here.
Prizes
There is a total prize pool of over $50,000 to be won amongst the Foundation and Championship Sections. Prizes include cash, development opportunities and music resources.
Foundation Section
For developing musicians up to AMEB Grade 4, the Foundation Section celebrates creativity, teamwork and the joy of first performances. Learn more and submit your entry here.
Championship Section
For advanced groups AMEB Grade 5 and above, the Championship Section showcases Australia’s finest young chamber musicians competing for major national prizes. Learn more and submit your entry here.
Previous competitions
See what makes Strike A Chord such a powerful part of young musicians’ journeys. Explore past competitions and watch standout performances from previous years.
Resources
Everything participants need for Strike A Chord: how to enter, choose repertoire, record videos, understand rules, explore prizes and past winners.
2026 Monash Strike A Chord Workshop
Two-day Monash University workshop providing intensive ensemble coaching and collaboration opportunities for advanced Strike A Chord participants from across Australia.
2026 Coaching Program
Free national coaching program for Strike A Chord entrants, pairing student chamber groups with professional mentors to develop ensemble skills, confidence and collaboration.
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What is Strike A Chord?
Strike A Chord is Musica Viva Australia’s national chamber music program for school students. Centred on a national competition, with coaching sessions, workshops and opportunities for players of every level, it inspires a love of chamber music and the joy of making music with friends while building real performance skills.
The competition offers cash and development awards across all stages, and every group receives feedback from expert panels of musicians and educators.
News & Stories
MORE INFORMATION
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Please email strikeachord@musicaviva.com.au if you have any enquiries.
Strike A Chord 2026
