Senior Division | Mixed Instrumental – Winners
FIRST PRIZE & GRAND PRIZE – SYNCHRONY QUARTET
Synchrony Quartet is a Chicago-based saxophone quartet dedicated to the performance of contemporary music and to fostering meaningful collaboration between performers, composers, and local communities. Formed from members of Taimur Sullivan’s studio, the ensemble has quickly gained national recognition, having been named a finalist in the Chesapeake International Chamber Music Competition, the MTNA Young Artist Competition, and the North American Saxophone Alliance Chamber Music Competition, with competitions scheduled for later this year. Committed to expanding the saxophone quartet repertoire, SQ is currently premiering four new works including one by Chicago based composer Stacy Garrop.
SECOND PRIZE – REVERIE QUARTET
Reverie Saxophone Quartet is a Professional Chamber Ensemble based in Canyon, TX. Their main goal is to spread the joy of chamber music and perform at the highest level possible, while also giving a memorable performance.
Junior Division | Mixed Instrumental – Winners
FIRST PRIZE & GRAND PRIZE – SOTERIA QUARTET
The Soteria Quartet was formed from a shared passion for exploring chamber music in and beyond school. Combining the talents of musicians with top honors at the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, UIL State Chamber Competition, and the Coltman Chamber Music Competition, the quartet is committed to pushing their musical abilities while celebrating the joy of chamber music. All members attend James Bowie High School and study under James Sterling.
SECOND PRIZE – CREEKVIEW SAXOPHONE QUARTET
The Creekview Quartet from Carrollton, TX has been performing together since 2023 under the leadership of Arturo Denis and Kevin Ford. The ensemble believes in the life-giving and emotional power of music and aim to embody the passion in music has in their lives. They have been mentored by esteemed figures including Christy Springer and Claire Salli, assistant professor at Texas A&M International University. The quartet received an invitation to the 79th Annual Midwest Clinic and Superior Division 1 ratings at the Region 31 UIL Solo & Ensemble Contest in 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Senior Division | String & Piano – Winners
FIRST PRIZE & GRAND PRIZE – Trio Sinfonia
Trio Sinfonia is a newly formed piano trio based in Boston, Massachusetts. Born out of the Chamber Music Department at the New England Conservatory, the ensemble unites three passionate musicians who share a deep love for chamber music. As a group, they are coached by Ara Gregorian and Alessio Bax. Individually prizewinners in numerous international competitions, the members of Trio Sinfonia seek to combine their distinct musical identities to create music that is both unified and artistically vibrant.
SECOND PRIZE – Dōnum Quartet
Formed in 2019 at Seoul National University, the Dōnum Quartet has established itself as a compelling young ensemble on the international stage. The quartet made its debut at the Seoul Arts Center and was featured in the Kumho Young Chamber Concert in Seoul. Based in the United States, they appeared as semi-finalists of the 2025 Naumburg Chamber Music Competition and received the Silver Medal at the 9th Manhattan International Music Competition. Named after the Latin word donum, meaning “gift,” the quartet has participated in festivals such as Kneisel Hall, Encore, and the Robert Mann Institute, showcasing the depth of artistry.
Junior Division | String & Piano – Winners
FIRST PRIZE – Moca Trio
MOCA Trio was formed in fall 2025 at the Colburn School through the Ed and Mari Edelman Chamber Music Institute Honors Program. The ensemble’s name was inspired by the nearby Museum of Contemporary Art—an idea that quickly revealed deeper meaning. Like contemporary art, their music-making values innovation, challenges tradition, and speaks to the present moment. Each work is treated as a curated space, inviting listeners into shifting colors, textures, and perspectives. For the trio, chamber music is a living dialogue shaped by curiosity and risk. Coached by Moni Simeonov, the ensemble performed in Colburn School’s prestigious 2025 Winter Honors Recital.
SECOND PRIZE – Quartet Meraviglia
Quartet Meraviglia is composed of violinists Elle Cho, Lauren Kim, Emily Chen, and cellist Lucy Wu. All students are Merit Scholarship fellows at the Music Institute of Chicago’s Academy, a training center for advanced pre-college musicians.
Meraviglia was the Bronze Medalist of the prestigious Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition in 2024, Overall Winner of the 2024 MYA Chicago National Chamber Music Competition, Silver Medalist of the 2024 Saint Paul String Quartet Competition, and received honorable mention at the 2024 Barnett Chamber Music Competition.