Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition

Transfer of the Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition

Musica Viva Australia announces that it is transferring custodianship of the Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition (MICMC) due to significant changes in the arts funding environment.

MICMC was founded by Marco van Pagee and Lin Bender in 1991. In 2015 Musica Viva Australia was approached by the Victorian Government to be custodian of MICMC, with funding from Creative Victoria, and delivered the competition successfully in 2018 and 2023. The funding agreement with Creative Victoria ceased at the end of 2025 and has not been renewed.

We are grateful to the many volunteers, supporters, audience members, musicians, jurors and MVA staff who contributed to the success of the MICMC competitions under MVA’s stewardship.

Musica Viva Australia will support a smooth transition to the new team of professionals and volunteers who will manage MICMC into the future. The next iteration is planned for 2 - 9 July 2027, under the artistic leadership of Wilma Smith (Musica Viva Australia’s Artistic Director of Competitions).  

Details about the next iteration of MICMC can be found at: 

Website: micmc.au
Email: info@micmc.au  
Phone: 0421 619 953