MICMC Winners Announced
Affinity Quartet. Photo credit: James Grant Photography
AFFINITY QUARTET ANNOUNCED AS WINNER OF MUSICA VIVA AUSTRALIA’S MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL CHAMBER MUSIC COMPETITION 2023
Musica Viva Australia has announced Affinity Quartet as the winner of the Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition 2023. Affinity Quartet, formed in Melbourne, has been awarded the Monash University Grand Prize ($30,000), the Robert Salzer Foundation String Quartet 1st Prize ($30,000) and the Audience Prize for String Quartet ($8,000).
Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition (MICMC) is a week-long international chamber music championship open to string quartets and piano trios where all members are under the age of 37. It was one of the first worldwide music competitions bringing international competitors to Australia.
Of the 14 competing Ensembles just six, three trios and three quartets, went through to the Grand Final, which took place on Sunday 9 July at Melbourne Recital Centre. The finalists were: Trio Orelon, Trio Pantoum, Trio Bohémo, Terra String Quartet, Affinity Quartet and Risus Quartet.
The 2023 International jury was comprised of Kirsten Dawes, Lukas Hagen, Louise Hopkins, Hsin-Yun Huang, Amandine Savary, Timo-Veikko Valve and Wilma Smith (Musica Viva Australia's Artistic Director of Competitions).
Musica Viva Australia’s Artistic Director of Competitions and juror Wilma Smith said:
“It has been a real privilege for all of us in Melbourne to welcome 13 extraordinary trios and quartets to our competition this week. They have given us exhilarating and moving performances, reminding us of the unique and important role this wonderful event fills in the life of our city. The support given to the groups by volunteer hosts, generous donors and by droves of passionate chamber music listeners - in the hall and around Australia and the world - gives MICMC a warm, extended-family feel which flows to the competitors too.”
Affinity Quartet now travel to Canberra for two celebratory performances. The first (Tuesday 11 July, 1pm – 1.40pm) takes place in the marble foyer to Parliament House. The second (Wednesday 12 July) is hosted by the Belgian Ambassador Michel Goffin. Affinity Quartet will also engage in a series of engagements with young Australian musicians, coaching and inspiring the next generation.
Monash University Grand Prize, $30,000
AFFINITY QUARTET
STRING QUARTET PRIZES
1ST Prize – Robert Salzer Foundation Prize - $30,000
AFFINITY QUARTET
2nd Prize – Patricia H. Reid Endowment Fund Prize - $20,000
TERRA STRING QUARTET
3rd Prize – Anonymous - $10,000
RISUS QUARTET
Audience Prize for String Quartet - $8,000
AFFINITY QUARTET
Quartet Commission Prize – Rowland-Jones & Immelman Commission Performance Prize - $4,000
RISUS QUARTET
PIANO TRIO PRIZES
1st Prize – Tony Berg Prize - $22,500
TRIO ORELON
2nd Prize – In Memory of Paul Morawetz - $15,000
TRIO PANTOUM
3rd Prize – Musica Viva Australia Victorian Committee Prize - $7,500
TRIO BOHÉMO
Audience Prize for Piano Trio $7,500
TRIO BOHÉMO
Trio Commission Prize – Barry Jones Commission Performance Prize - $3,000
TRIO ORELON
MICMC is presented by Musica Viva Australia with generous support from the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria, and in conjunction with major partners Monash University, the Melbourne Recital Centre and the City of Boroondara.
Affinity Quartet biography is here.
For further information, images or interviews:
KABUKU PUBLIC RELATIONS
Belinda Dyer | belinda@kabukupr.com.au or 0415 686 014
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