Strike A Chord 2026
And the Winner is...
Musica Viva Australia is thrilled to announce Kingussie Trio (VIC) as the winners of Strike A Chord 2026!
The ensemble has been awarded the Robert Salzer First Prize of $5,000, along with an invitation to attend the Australian Festival of Chamber Music Pathways Program 2027, supported by AFCM and Musica Viva Australia; and an opportunity to record a studio album with ABC Classic.
Congratulations also to our Paul Morawetz Second Prize winners, Quartet Avenoir (TAS/QLD/NSW/VIC), and Youth Music Foundation of Australia Third Prize winners, ATC Trio (QLD).
And a huge congratulations to all twelve finalist groups. Reaching the Strike A Chord National Final is an incredible achievement, and we’re so proud of the hard work, dedication and musicianship each ensemble brought to the stage. Thank you for sharing your music with us and making this year’s competition so special.
NATIONAL FINAL AND PRIZES
See the full list of Championship Section prize winners from our 2026 National Final.
Foundation & Championship Sections
Strike A Chord 2026 drew a record 170 groups from across Australia. Meet the winners from both Championship and Foundations Sections.
Jurors
Each year, we hand-pick a panel of Australia’s leading chamber musicians to judge our Championship and Foundation sections. Meet our 2026 jurors here.
Prizes
There is a total prize pool of over $50,000 to be won amongst the Foundation and Championship Sections. Prizes include cash, development opportunities and music resources.
Foundation Section
For developing musicians up to AMEB Grade 4, the Foundation Section celebrates creativity, teamwork and the joy of first performances. Learn more and submit your entry here.
Championship Section
For advanced groups AMEB Grade 5 and above, the Championship Section showcases Australia’s finest young chamber musicians competing for major national prizes. Learn more and submit your entry here.
Previous competitions
See what makes Strike A Chord such a powerful part of young musicians’ journeys. Explore past competitions and watch standout performances from previous years.
2026 Monash Strike A Chord Workshop
Two-day Monash University workshop providing intensive ensemble coaching and collaboration opportunities for advanced Strike A Chord participants from across Australia.
2026 Coaching Program
Free national coaching program for Strike A Chord entrants, pairing student chamber groups with professional mentors to develop ensemble skills, confidence and collaboration.
Resources
Everything participants need for Strike A Chord: how to enter, choose repertoire, record videos, understand rules, explore prizes and past winners.
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What is Strike A Chord?
Strike A Chord is Musica Viva Australia’s national chamber music program for school students. Centred on a national competition, with coaching sessions, workshops and opportunities for players of every level, it inspires a love of chamber music and the joy of making music with friends while building real performance skills.
The competition offers cash and development awards across all stages, and every group receives feedback from expert panels of musicians and educators.
News & Stories
MORE INFORMATION
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Please email strikeachord@musicaviva.com.au if you have any enquiries.
Strike A Chord 2026
