2024 National Finalists

First Prize – The Robert Salzer Prize
Violinist Hannah Tyrrell, cellist Jamie Wallace and pianist Vincent Zhu met at the Australian Youth Orchestra’s National Music Camp in 2023 and have been rehearsing across states ever since. Their performance at the 2024 National Final was noted for its intensity, clarity and shared musical purpose. 

Performed: Smetana – Piano Trio in G minor, Op. 15, III Finale. Presto

Second Prize – The Paul Morawetz Prize

Take Six brings together young musicians from the University of Queensland’s Chamber Music Academy. Their performance of Tchaikovsky combined precision and expressive energy, earning them Second Prize. 

Performed: Tchaikovsky – String Sextet in D minor, Op. 70 “Souvenir de Florence”, IV Allegro vivace

Friends from J Percussion Music School, the ensemble performed the Australian premiere of Emmanuel Séjourné’s Attraction 2, drawing audiences into its colourful sound world. 

Craig Reynolds Encouragement Prize

The Marryatville High School Baroque Ensemble is a seven-member string septet from South Australia

Performed: Avison – Concerto V in D minor, I Largo, II Allegro, III Andante Moderato, IV Allegro 

Finalist and Flinders Quartet Mentorship Prize

Scholarship students from the Sydney Conservatorium’s Rising Stars program, bringing depth and refinement to Brahms' String Quartet in C minor.

Performed: Brahms – String Quartet No. 1 in C minor, Op. 51 No. 1, I Allegro 

Firebird Trio Mentorship Prize

Part of the University of Queensland’s Chamber Music Academy, with awards across Queensland competitions.

Performed: Smetana – Piano Trio in G minor, Op. 15, I Moderato assai – Più animato 

3MBS Prize

Formed at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School, the trio has won multiple chamber music awards and regularly performs across Melbourne. 

Performed: Mendelssohn – Piano Trio No. 1 in D minor, Op. 49, II Andante con moto tranquillo, III Scherzo. Leggiero e vivace 

Finalist

A percussion ensemble from the ANU Community Music Centre Chamber Ensembles program.

Performed: John Ling – Amidst (2015) 

3MBS Prize

Three AMEB diplomates from Camberwell Grammar School who have received awards at major Victorian competitions. 

Performed: Smetana – Piano Trio in G minor, Op. 15, I Moderato assai – Più animato 

Finalist

Four friends from Sydney united by their enthusiasm for Shostakovich, giving a compelling performance of his String Quartet No. 8.

Performed: Shostakovich – String Quartet No. 8 in C minor, Op. 110, I Largo, II Allegro molto 

Finalist