Meet Our Finalists

Sydney-based cellists Jamie Wallace, Andy Lin, Vincent Zhu, and Marcus Tyler, all previous Strike A Chord participants, formed this cello quartet after meeting at the 2023 AYO National Music Camp. They were inspired by Austrian cellist/composer Matthias Bartolomey's unique work, Preikestolen, which they rehearsed and recorded for their Strike A Chord entry. They directly contacted Mr. Bartolomey, who generously provided enthusiastic feedback on their performance. The group is named after him, highlighting the connection between performers and composer.

The Amaryllis Piano Trio, formed in early 2024, consists of Jade Chueng (piano), Raistlin Chan (violin), and Anny Wang (cello), all studying at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School. Guided by Julie Haskell, Sophie Rowell, and Josephine Vains, this promising trio has won prizes in various chamber music competitions. They enjoy regularly performing a wide range of repertoire, including premieres of Australian works, at Melbourne venues such as the Melbourne Recital Centre.

ATC Trio brings together Ellie Kyoung (violin), Patrick Phillips (cello), and Isabella Oxenbridge (piano), united by a shared passion for collaborative music-making. Formed through the University of Queensland School of Music Chamber Music Academy, all members hold Licentiate Diplomas with Distinction. Their individual achievements include winning prizes at prestigious state and national competitions and earning opportunities to perform as soloists with orchestras. The trio actively seeks out further collaborative opportunities, demonstrating their commitment to chamber music excellence.

The Hale Bravura String Quartet, formed in 2023, features Joshua Woods and Seth Cheah (violins), Zachary Madan (viola), and Jordan Scott (cello). All are music scholarship holders at Hale School, Perth. Under the mentorship of Jack Charles and Zoë van Drunen they have developed strong ensemble skills and musical cohesion. Their accomplishments include winning the Fremantle and North of Perth Eisteddfods and participating in numerous local and international competitions. The quartet is united by a shared passion for music and finds great joy in playing together.

The Ignite Trio from Canberra Girls' Grammar School consists of three Year 12 friends with a long-standing passion for music. Having played together for several years in various school ensembles, they developed a strong musical bond. This marks their first chamber music collaboration, exploring the unique combination of flute, clarinet, and marimba. They view Strike A Chord as a fantastic opportunity for creativity, teamwork, and musical excellence, excited to bring their distinctive instrumentation to life.

The Imber Trio, comprising flautist Akane Mears, cellist Chloe Chane Yin, and pianist Ying Ying Shu, formed in 2023 through Marryatville High School's Specialist Music Program. They are experienced members of the Adelaide Youth Orchestra and alumni of national orchestral programs such as Australian Youth Orchestra and ARCO's Young Mannheim Symphonists. The trio includes a former Strike A Chord finalist, and all members are keen musicians who enjoy making music together in diverse forms.

The IncrediBows are a string quartet formed in 2022 by four childhood friends, united by enthusiasm and camaraderie. Coached by Tim Li, they were finalists in Strike A Chord that same year, later becoming the core of "Take Six," which won 2nd Prize in Strike A Chord 2024. Individually, the members of the quartet bring extensive experience as soloists, scholarship recipients, orchestral leaders, and competition prize winners. Collectively, they strive to deepen their ensemble playing and expand their musical horizons.

The Kingussie Trio, featuring violinist David Chon, cellist Gabriel Liu, and pianist Dillon Chan, is honored to participate in a second consecutive Strike A Chord National Final. These close-knit friends balance a dynamic school life with enriching musical adventures. The trio recently won first prize in the Chamber Music sections of the Music Society of Victoria and Boroondara Eisteddfods. Individual members also enjoy state, national, and international competition success, studying with distinguished mentors.

The LeBrahm Trio, named after basketballer LeBron James and composer Johannes Brahms, consists of clarinettist Ramond Wang, cellist Jamie Wallace (classmates at Sydney Grammar School), and pianist Vincent Zhu (Jamie's chamber music collaborator). They formed in February to explore Brahms’ Clarinet Trio, quickly falling in love with the work. The trio enjoys working through the challenges and joys of this great piece, demonstrating their enthusiasm for demanding repertoire. They hope to perform all movements in a concert soon.

The LED Trio is a chamber group comprising Emma Li (violin), Lieun Park (cello), and Diego Yu (piano). Despite attending different schools, they were brought together through the Melbourne String Ensemble, sharing a strong collective love for music. The trio formed when Diego, as a pianist, joined Emma and Lieun, introducing a new element of chamber music. This fostered a deeper connection between the three musicians, enabling them to explore new collaborative dimensions.

Quartet Alla Zingarese formed in early 2025 when Trio Bellissimo (2022 Strike A Chord finalists from Canterbury College) invited another violinist to join, expanding to a quartet. The members have collectively made multiple Strike A Chord National Final appearances over the past three years in various ensemble configurations. Coached by Tim Li, their name reflects the "spicy gypsy vibes" that have inspired music for centuries. They are here to "zing, zingarese-style".

The Roystead Trio – violinist Leo Qi, cellist Derrick Kwon, and pianist Reily Wang – are established collaborators and Music Scholars at Camberwell Grammar School. They share extensive experience in numerous ensembles, masterclasses, and performances across Australia and overseas. All hold AMEB Diplomas, have won numerous awards and prizes, and study with distinguished mentors. Passionate advocates for contemporary works, they bring youthful vitality to modern compositions while maintaining respect for classical tradition, demonstrating a broad musical range.