The six student groups who will compete in the final of the Lockdown Legends competition have been announced by Musica Viva Australia.

The special initiative was introduced for students who because of COVID-19 restrictions in their state were unable to compete in the inaugural Strike a Chord National Chamber Music Championship, introduced by Musica Viva this year to celebrate its 75th anniversary, which was won by Sydney ensemble The Cousin Quartet.

The Cousin Quartet which won the Strike a Chord National Chamber Music Competition. Photograph © Keith Saunders

The ensembles chosen by the jury to compete for the Lockdown Legends first prize of $2,500 are:

Eledamri Ensemble from the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School  (VIC);
Sydney Grammar School Wind Quintet from Sydney Grammar School (NSW);
Eureka Quartet from the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School (VIC);  Balwyn High School from the Virtual School, Homeschool (VIC);
Scotch College Horn from Trio Scotch College (VIC);
Miles Street 4 Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School (VIC);
and ARIA Saxophone Quartet Sydney Grammar School (NSW).

“Selecting just six ensembles to progress to the Lockdown Legends Final was extremely difficult, given the rich array of talent...