STRIKE A CHORD 2025
STRIKE A CHORD 2025
Record entries, new residencies and returning alumni made 2025 a landmark year for Strike A Chord, marking five years of chamber music, connection and growth across Australia.
A total of 170 groups from across the country took part, regional residencies launched in Maryborough (VIC) and Mount Isa (QLD), and the Coaching Program reached 75 groups nationwide. Former competitors returned as coaches, guiding a new generation of participants.
The Monash Strike A Chord Workshop brought together advanced musicians in April, adding another layer of collaboration and learning. The year culminated in the National Final at Melbourne Recital Centre on 30 August 2025, attracting the biggest in-person audience so far and watched via livestream by thousands across the country.
The IncrediBows from Queensland earned the Robert Salzer First Prize for their outstanding performance.
COACHING PROGRAM
75 sessions were delivered to ensembles nationwide, led by 28 professional musicians, including Strike A Chord alumni returning as tutors for the first time.
MONASH STRIKE A CHORD WORKSHOP
Held at Monash University’s Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music, the workshop brought together 33 students for two days of ensemble coaching, along with flamenco rhythm and Kodály singing sessions.
REGIONAL RESIDENCIES
Strike A Chord launched pilot residencies bringing professional musicians to regional schools. Residencies were held at Maryborough Education Centre (VIC), and Spinifex State College in Mount Isa (QLD)
Foundation & Championship Sections
Strike A Chord 2025 drew a record 170 groups from across Australia. Each group submitted a video entry and a short introduction video
Strike A Chord Winners
Meet all the winners of the 2025 Foundation Section and First Round Championship winners.
NATIONAL FINAL AND PRIZES
See the full list of Championship Section prize winners from our 2025 National Final.
THE JURY
The Strike A Chord 2025 competition was supported by three panels of jurors, each bringing expertise and care to every stage.
National Final Program
Read more about the 2025 Strike A Chord Competition in our Program.
The IncrediBows (QLD) First Prize, The Robert Salzer Prize. Photo by James Grant
Kingussie Trio (VIC) Second Prize, The Paul Morawetz Prize. Photo by James Grant
ATC Trio (QLD) Third Prize, Youth Music Foundation of Australia Prize. Photo by James Grant
LED Trio (VIC) Firebird Trio Mentorship Prize and 3MBS Prize. Photo by James Grant
Quartet Alla Zingarese (QLD) - 4MBS Prize. Photo by James Grant.
Roystead Trio (VIC) Australian Music Prize. Photo by James Grant
Quatuor Fabriqués (VIC) - Flinders Quartet Mentorship Prize and Monash Chamber Music Prize. Photo by James Grant.
2025 Strike A Chord Blogs
Partners:
Strike A Chord would like to thank the supporters of our 2025 program. Visit our partners page to see the full list of those who help to make this competition possible.
Strike a Chord 2025
The IncrediBows (QLD) First Prize, The Robert Salzer Prize. Photo by James Grant
Kingussie Trio (VIC) Second Prize, The Paul Morawetz Prize. Photo by James Grant
ATC Trio (QLD) Third Prize, Youth Music Foundation of Australia Prize. Photo by James Grant
LED Trio (VIC) Firebird Trio Mentorship Prize and 3MBS Prize. Photo by James Grant
Quartet Alla Zingarese (QLD) - 4MBS Prize. Photo by James Grant.
Roystead Trio (VIC) Australian Music Prize. Photo by James Grant
Quatuor Fabriqués (VIC) - Flinders Quartet Mentorship Prize and Monash Chamber Music Prize. Photo by James Grant.