The University of Queensland’s (UQ) Chamber Music Academy is celebrating the outstanding achievements of two of its ensembles, Take Six and Timli Trio, who were laureates in the prestigious Strike A Chord national competition. Both ensembles were among the 12 grand finalists selected nationally to perform live at the Melbourne Recital Centre’s Elisabeth Murdoch Hall.
Out of 156 entries from across Australia, representing 620 school-age musicians, Take Six secured second place in the Paul Morawetz prize and performed entirely from memory, delivering a captivating rendition of Tchaikovsky's String Sextet in D minor, Op. 70 ‘Souvenir de Florence’.
Timli Trio, another ensemble from UQ’s Chamber Music Academy, won the Firebird Trio Mentorship Prize that is awarded to groups that demonstrate a high level of commitment and potential. The prize will provide them with up to 12 months of elite coaching and an opportunity to perform collaboratively with Melbourne-based Firebird Trio.
Tim Li, Academy Director, expressed pride in their achievements. "The dedication and hard work of these young musicians are truly extraordinary," said Mr Li. "To see both Take Six and Timli Trio deliver such a mesmerising performance is incredibly rewarding. The fact that two members of Take Six are also part of Timli Trio further highlights the exceptional efforts these players made in preparing for this national event."
All students of the Academy have had significant success as prize winners in state and national competitions, performed as concerto soloists, received scholarships and held positions as concertmasters and principal players in various orchestra.
The Academy ensembles have achieved landslide successes in chamber music competitions, including Gold Coast, Redlands and Queensland eisteddfods. They have taken out every top prize in these events since the Academy was established.
Anna Grinberg, Head of Piano at the School of Music and one of the Chamber Academy mentors/teaching staff, who has been instrumental in mentoring the ensembles, added, "Both Take Six and Timli Trio have demonstrated remarkable growth and musicality. Their success in the Strike A Chord competition reflects their passion and dedication to chamber music. The mentorship opportunities they’ve earned will undoubtedly enhance their artistic development."
For more information visit: https://www.musicaviva.com.au/strike-a-chord-2024/
