Australia's Affinity Quartet tops 2023 Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition

by Jennifer Mills

The Affinity Quartet performs Schubert at the Melbourne International
Chamber Music Competition String Quartet Grand Final.
(Musica Viva Australia: James Grant Photography)

Melbourne's own Affinity Quartet has taken out the $30,000 Grand Prize at the 2023 Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition.

Musica Viva Australia CEO Anne Frankenberg stated that "One of the dreams of MICMC's founders was that it would lead to Australian groups competing at an international standard in their home country.

"It's wonderful to see this vision realised so powerfully."

With a thrilling performance of Schubert's String Quartet No. 14 in D minor, "Death and the Maiden", the ensemble was awarded First Prize and a further $30,000 at the evening String Quartet Grand Final concert, followed by the German-based Terra String Quartet in second place and the American/South Korean Risus Quartet in third.

Earlier in the day Trio Orelon, with members from Germany, Spain and Italy, wowed audiences with their rendition of Brahms's Piano Trio No. 1, winning the $22,500 First Prize in the Piano Trio Grand Final concert. Their fellow finalists were the French/South Korean Trio Pantoum coming in second, and Third Prize-winners Trio Bohémo, from the Czech Republic.

Trio Orelon.(Musica Viva Australia: James Grant Photography)

The audience rapport at each show was strong; every ensemble took at least two bows over lengthy and enthusiastic applause. The two Audience prizes voted for by the live crowd and ABC Classic listeners went to Trio Bohémo ($7,500) and the Affinity Quartet ($8,000).

In the second round of the heats at the Hawthorn Arts Centre, each of the original 13 ensembles had to perform the MICMC specially-commissioned works for which there was a $4,000 Quartet Commission Prize and a $3,000 Trio Commission Prize. Trio Orelon won the Trio Commission Prize for their performance of Maria Grenfell's Bitter Tears, while the Quartet Commission Prize went to the Risus Quartet for Lee Bradshaw's Resolve.

ABC Classic presenter Stéphanie Kabanyana Kanyandekwe onstage with the MICMC string quartet grand finalists.
(Musica Viva Australia: James Grant Photography)

The positive energy between competitors and competition organisers was palpable too, with Musica Viva's Artistic Director of Competitions and juror Wilma Smith stating that "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."

Alongside Smith on the jury were Kirsten Dawes, Lukas Hagen, Louise Hopkins, Hsin-Yun Huang, Amandine Savay and the ACO's Timo-Veikko Valve.

Starting in 1991, MICMC has taken place every four years (five this time due to travel restrictions in recent years). The competition, presented by Musica Viva Australia, has a strong international reputation and in 2023 was open to string quartets and piano trios whose members were under the age of 37.

First published at ABC Classic, July 10, 2023