STRIKE A CHORD 2024
STRIKE A CHORD 2024
After a short pause in 2023, Strike A Chord returned with fresh energy and a real sense of anticipation. The 2024 competition reminded everyone just how much it had been missed, and how vital it is to young musicians across Australia. Students and teachers poured their enthusiasm into every performance, sparking a buzz that could be felt in classrooms and practice rooms around the country.
A total of 156 groups entered from across Australia, and the Coaching Program delivered sessions to 73 groups, with a strong focus on regional schools and those facing barriers to participation. Twelve Championship Section groups were selected for the National Final.
Held at Melbourne Recital Centre on 31 August, the National Final drew an enthusiastic audience in the Elisabeth Murdoch Hall and reached thousands more via livestream and ABC Classic. The Fritzi Trio received the Robert Salzer First Prize for their exceptional performance.
The year concluded with the Monash Strike A Chord Workshop in September, bringing young musicians together for two days of ensemble coaching and musicianship.
COACHING PROGRAM
The 2024 Coaching Program delivered tailored sessions to 73 groups across Australia. Led by 27 Musica Viva Australia-affiliated musicians, these free, one-hour sessions supported students in developing ensemble communication, phrasing, balance and confidence. Learn more about the 2026 Coaching Program here.
MONASH STRIKE A CHORD WORKSHOP
Held on 28 and 29 September 2024 at the Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music and Performance in Melbourne, the workshop brought together 19 secondary students for two days of ensemble coaching, musicianship and skill-building.
Foundation & Championship Sections
Strike A Chord 2024 drew a record 170 groups from across Australia. Meet the winners from both Championship and Foundations Sections.
NATIONAL FINAL AND PRIZES
See the full list of Championship Section prize winners from our 2024 National Final.
THE JURY
The Strike A Chord 2024 competition was supported by three panels of jurors, each bringing expertise and care to every stage.
National Final Program
Read more about the 2024 Strike A Chord Competition in our Program.
The IncrediBows (QLD) First Prize, The Robert Salzer Prize. Photo by James Grant
Kingussie Trio (VIC) Second Prize, The Paul Morawetz Prize. Photo by James Grant
ATC Trio (QLD) Third Prize, Youth Music Foundation of Australia Prize. Photo by James Grant
LED Trio (VIC) Firebird Trio Mentorship Prize and 3MBS Prize. Photo by James Grant
Quartet Alla Zingarese (QLD) - 4MBS Prize. Photo by James Grant.
Roystead Trio (VIC) Australian Music Prize. Photo by James Grant
Quatuor Fabriqués (VIC) - Flinders Quartet Mentorship Prize and Monash Chamber Music Prize. Photo by James Grant.
Strike A Chord Blogs
Partners:
Strike A Chord would like to thank the supporters of our 2025 program. Visit our partners page to see the full list of those who help to make this competition possible.
Strike a Chord 2025
The IncrediBows (QLD) First Prize, The Robert Salzer Prize. Photo by James Grant
Kingussie Trio (VIC) Second Prize, The Paul Morawetz Prize. Photo by James Grant
ATC Trio (QLD) Third Prize, Youth Music Foundation of Australia Prize. Photo by James Grant
LED Trio (VIC) Firebird Trio Mentorship Prize and 3MBS Prize. Photo by James Grant
Quartet Alla Zingarese (QLD) - 4MBS Prize. Photo by James Grant.
Roystead Trio (VIC) Australian Music Prize. Photo by James Grant
Quatuor Fabriqués (VIC) - Flinders Quartet Mentorship Prize and Monash Chamber Music Prize. Photo by James Grant.