2024 Strike A Chord Finalists

Musica Viva Australia is thrilled to announce the finalists and first-round prize winners of Strike A Chord 2024, marking the fourth and largest-ever iteration of this national chamber music competition for Australian school students. Established in 2020 as a digital-only event, Strike A Chord has grown significantly, with a record-breaking 617 entrants in 155 groups across seven states and territories in 2024.

The competition, dedicated to fostering a love of chamber music among school-age performers, has seen nearly 1,400 young artists from 189 schools participate since its inception. This year’s 12 finalists are preparing to compete in a live Grand Final at the Melbourne Recital Centre.

Strike A Chord is more than just a competition; it plays a crucial role in Musica Viva Australia’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, engaging students from culturally diverse and regional backgrounds. The program bridges the organization’s extensive education work, reaching over 170,000 primary school children across Australia, and their Emerging Artists program. 

Notably, 74% of Novice Section entrants in 2021-2024 came from regional areas, and nearly 50% of the 157 grand finalists (2020-2022) have pursued tertiary music studies. Led by Artistic Director of Competitions Wilma Smith, Strike A Chord provides young musicians the opportunity to work collaboratively and receive coaching from professional chamber musicians, setting many on a trajectory toward successful professional careers.

Discover the finalists, first-round winners and Novice Section winners here. Book your tickets to the Grand Final here.