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NEWSLETTER FOR QUARTETS AND TRIOS #29
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NEWS FROM THE DQ WORLD, COMPETITIONS, MASTERCLASSES AND MORE
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As the year draws to a close, it’s time to celebrate what we’ve built together and look ahead to new horizons.
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In this newsletter, you’ll find exciting news and valuable opportunities: don’t miss your chance to explore and apply!
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Le Dimore del Quartetto team
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BE ONE OF THE 44 ENSEMBLES OF MERITAcubed
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Application deadline: December 13th, 2025 - 11.59 PM (GMT+1)
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The European Platform MERITA – where chamber Music, cultural hERItage and TAlent meet is opening its second edition, MERITAcubed (2025–2029)!
This call is open to professional chamber music ensembles (22 string quartets + 22 piano trios), for members under 36 years of age. Selected ensembles will join a unique international platform and gain access to outstanding opportunities for artistic growth, networking, and international circulation.
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Submit your complete application via email to info@meritaplatform.eu
with the subject line APPLICATION FOR MERITAcubed – [NAME OF THE ENSEMBLE]
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DISCOVER THE MAP OF ATELIERS
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The String Circle is a widespread collection of contemporary lutherie that connects award-winning master luthiers and bowmakers with the new generation of musicians. Through this network, the musicians of Le Dimore del Quartetto can access high-quality string instruments and bows on free loan, along with professional maintenance and support services.
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Looking for an instrument on loan? Would you like to play a full string quartet set by the same luthier? Explore The String Circle interactive map to discover the ateliers and instruments available, and contact us to be connected with the right luthier for you.
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For the first time in its history, Premio Paganini has opened its doors to chamber music, in collaboration with Le Dimore del Quartetto, official partner of the competition. Thanks to the vision of Artistic Director Nicola Bruzzo, the candidates had the opportunity to perform alongside Quartetto Indaco, Trio Kobalt, and Danusha Waskiewicz, engaging in quartet and quintet formations on works by Haydn, Stravinsky, and Schumann. An opportunity for participants to showcase essential skills such as listening, collaboration, and musical sensitivity, reaffirming the central role of ensemble playing in the development of the soloist.
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Rewatch the semifinalists' concerts
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The selection is open to any type of ensemble, from two to six performers, composed of Italian or foreign musicians residing in Italy.
Stay tuned — the application dates will be announced soon!
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Comitato AMUR announces a selection for young ensembles in residence, with the aim of promoting new creativity in the field of chamber music, early music, vocal music.
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Following the pre-selection, the final live selection of the 8 finalists will take place in Naples.
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Each one of the three selected groups will be engaged for at least 5 concerts as part of the concert seasons of the AMUR insitutions.
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Le Dimore del Quartetto has partnered with CampusX, a network of university campuses and hospitality facilities comprising 13 urban resorts across Italy, providing modern, welcoming spaces for study and accommodation. Strategically located, these sites facilitate musicians’ travel and expand residential and concert opportunities in dynamic, well-connected contexts.
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In cities where there is a high demand for residencies, masterclasses, and concerts, such as Milan, Trieste, and Venice, Le Dimore del Quartetto has established collaborations with three CampusX locations, CXMilan | NOM, CXTrieste | Giulia, and CXVenice | Mestre, which complement the partner venues already providing hospitality to string quartets and trios.
In addition, the partnership allows members of our network to benefit from special rates and advantageous lodging conditions, even for personal travel outside of musical activities.
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USE THE DISCOUNT CODE: DIMOREDELQUARTETTO
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CALL FOR INDIVIDUAL MOBILITY 2025 - 2026
CULTURE MOVES EUROPE - INDIVIDUAL MOBILITY FOR ARTISTS
AND CULTURAL PROFESSIONALS
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Monthly deadlines: from October 31st, 2025 to April 30th, 2026
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The new Creative Europe call supports international artistic and cultural mobility, fostering exchange, collaborative creation, and the strengthening of transnational networks, with a focus on inclusion, sustainability, and geographical and gender balance.
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Projects must take place in a country different from the applicant’s country of residence, in collaboration with an international partner, and address at least two of the following objectives: learn, create, explore, connect.
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Eligible applicants include adult artists and cultural professionals — individually or in groups of up to five people — residing in a country participating in the Creative Europe programme.
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MASTERCLASSES & ACADEMIES
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The masterclasses are listed in chronological order of application deadline
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PROQUARTET PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
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ProQuartet has been providing professional training and support programmes for chamber music ensembles since 1987. The courses take place in Paris. The program includes a schedule of masterclasses, culminating in one or more concerts.
Pre-registration is required to participate.
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- January 5th - 9th, 2026 | Veronika Hagen - Hagen Quartett
- March 2nd - 6th, 2026 | Günter Pichler - Alban Berg Quartett
- April 20th - 24th, 2026 | John Myerscough - Doric String Quartet
- June 1st - 5th, 2026 | Jan Talich - Talich Quartet, Michal Kaňka - Ex-Prajak Quartet, Talich Quartet
- July 1st - 3rd, 2026 | Annette Walther - Signum Quartet
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The academy was founded by Stefan Metz in 2001 and the artistic direction has been in the hands of Marc Danel, primarius of the Danel Quartet, since 2011. The NSKA offers a range of educational opportunities such as a two-year full-time education, masterclasses, concerts, and more.
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- November 21st - 23rd, 2025 | Gerhard Schulz (Alban Berg Quartet), Marc Danel (Quatuor Danel) & Stefan Metz (Orlando Quartet)
- January 30th - February 1st, 2026 | Shunske Sato
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DRIMNIN STRING QUARTET ACADEMY
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Week 1: April 21st - May 4th; Week 2: September 21st - 28th, 2026 | Drimnin, Scotland
Application deadline: November 10th, 2025
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The Academy, under the artistic direction of John Myerscough of the Doric Quartet and the Royal Academy of Music, hosts three quartets each year for two intensive weeks of coaching, rehearsal and performance, using the Trust’s own music venue and the facilities of the Drimnin Estate on the west coast of Scotland.
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All tuition fees, accommodation, food and travel costs (from UK/Europe) are covered.
For further information please email drimnin.chapel@gmail.com
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STAUFFER MASTERCLASSES
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The Accademia Stauffer in Cremona offers exclusives masterclass programs, bringing together some of the most appreciated and influential artists and teachers of the international music scene.
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ADVANCED COURSE IN CHAMBER MUSIC FOR STRINGS AND PIANO WITH BRUNO GIURANNA AND ENRICO PACE
Application deadline: May 25th, 2026
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An advanced training programme focused on concert activity, aimed at pre-formed chamber ensembles, from trios to quintets. The course consists of ten monthly sessions, each lasting three days, of which two will be led by Enrico Pace, who will focus on the preparation of the artistic performance.
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ADVANCED PROGRAMME IN STRING QUARTET WITH QUARTETTO DI CREMONA
Application deadline: June 15th, 2026
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Guided by the Quartetto di Cremona, the Programme is a concert-oriented training path, designed for pre-established ensembles, deeply committed to pursuing a professional career. Its integrated structure combines the main lessons with a range of complementary activities.
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The Stauffer Foundation fully covers the tuition fees for the Academy’s courses,
exempting admitted students from any payment.
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The competitions are listed in chronological order of application deadline
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GENEVA JUNIOR MUSIC COMPETITION
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Application deadline: November 15th, 2025
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The Geneva Junior Music Competition is an international online event designed to inspire and challenge young talented musicians worldwide, supporting them in launching their international careers. A total of over CHF 10,000 in cash prizes will be awarded, and the grand winners will be invited to perform live in 2026 at the prestigious Victoria Concert Hall in Geneva.
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ILMARI HANNIKAINEN
PIANO CHAMBER MUSIC COMPETITION
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February 26th – March 5th, 2026 | Finnish Music Campus, Jyväskylä (Finland)
Application deadline: November 15th, 2025
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The competition for pianists and their ensembles is organized by The Foundation for Music Promotion in Central Finland, Finnish Music Campus Institutions and Jyväskylä Sinfonia.
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Ensemble members must be 16–35 years old. Participants qualify by video performance. Repertoire ranges from Viennese Classical Music to commissioned contemporary works. All ensembles compete through three rounds in the same category, and the concerto finales are played together with the Jyväskylä Symphony Orchestra. The competition is streamed live over the internet, and ensembles receive recordings of their performances.
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PREMIO LEANDRO ROSCINI - GIANCARLO PADALINO 2025
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Application deadline: November 30th, 2025
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The Prize is awarded annually, and the 2025 Scholarship is reserved for Italian instrumentalists who have obtained a bachelor’s or master’s degree in any instrument from an Italian or foreign Higher Institute of Musical Studies since 2021.
The Scholarship will be aimed at supporting participation in advanced training and/or specialization courses at prestigious national or international institutions.
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The annual amount of the Prize is €15,000 and it will be awarded to a single recipient.
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YORK EARLY MUSIC FESTIVAL 2026
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July 8th - 11th, 2026 | National Centre for Early Music, York (United Kingdom)
Application deadline: December 8th, 2025
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The First Prize includes a professionally produced CD with Linn Records in York, travel and accommodation, a £1,000 cash award, and a paid concert at the 2027 York Early Music Festival. Additional prizes include £500 from the Friends of York Early Music Festival, a paid concert in Cambridge (plus a £500 bonus for eligible participants), and £1,000 for the Most Promising Young Artist/s, endowed by the EUBO Development Trust.
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SPIN-OFF CONCERT AT PIANO TRIO FEST 2026
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May 30th, 2026 | Haus zum Wilden Mann, Wynigen (Switzerland)
Application deadline: December 10th, 2025
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Piano Trio Fest is launching its second international call for piano trio ensembles as part of its next festival edition. The festival intends to support young musicians at the beginning of their careers.
The competition is open to piano trios of all nationalities with an average age under 32. Selected ensembles will receive free accommodation at the historic concert venue, coverage of travel expenses within Europe, and a concert fee.
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12th CHESAPEAKE INTERNATIONAL
CHAMBER MUSIC COMPETITION
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April 10th - 12th, 2026 | The Ebenezer Theater in Easton, Maryland (USA)
Application deadline: December 15th, 2025
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The Lerman Gold Prize Winner will receive $10,000 and a paid performance at the 41st Chesapeake Chamber Music Festival.
Silver and Finalist Prizes, including the Audience Choice Award, offer additional recognition and support.
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All finalists benefit from judges’ feedback, a concert opportunity, and valuable exposure through Chesapeake Music’s live events and The Violin Channel broadcast, with housing, meals, and local transport provided during the final round.
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July 26th - August 17th, 2026 | Napa, California (USA)
Application deadline: January 20th, 2026
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The 2026 Fellowship String Quartet Program offers a three-week residency in Napa Valley with intensive mentoring, performances, and community outreach. Fellows perform with festival artists, present their own recital, and develop presentation skills for diverse audiences. The program provides a stipend, travel reimbursement, housing, and local transportation.
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X INTERNATIONAL STASYS VAINIŪNAS
CHAMBER ENSEMBLES COMPETITION
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March 20th - 28th, 2026 | Vilnius, Lithuania
Application deadline: February 1st, 2026
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The Stasys Vainiūnas International Competition, organized by the Ministry of Culture, is open to whose average age does not exceed 35 years.
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Founded in 1989 as a national competition for young pianists and musicians, it gained international status in 1993 and has since become a key event for discovering and promoting emerging chamber music talents.
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The total prize fund is €32,500.
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Application deadline: February 14th, 2026
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The International Music Competition Berlin "Grand Prize Virtuoso" is open to musicians of all nationalities and ages. Participants are required to submit video materials for the jury audition.
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A selected group of winners will receive an invitation to perform at the prestigious Kammermusiksaal of the Philharmonie in Berlin on April 1st and 2nd, 2026.
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Application deadline: September 30th, 2026
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DV YOUNG SOUNDS offers emerging musicians a unique opportunity to enter the international recording scene, selecting three projects to be produced and distributed by DaVinci Publishing.
The First Prize, worth a total of €10,000, includes a cash award, a professional recording session with album production and printing, as well as physical and digital promotion and distribution. Additional prizes are awarded to the second and third winners, offering valuable recording and dissemination opportunities for their artistic work.
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Plan your next residency to gather and study in a peaceful and inspiring landscape!
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CASTLE OF GRAND-BIGARD
Bruxelles, Belgium
Located just 7 km from Brussels, it is a magnificent 17th-century example of Flemish Renaissance architecture, surrounded by a moat and centuries-old beech trees.
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AMARÉ
Puylagarde, France
Amaré is a young association. Created less than a year ago, it welcomes professional and amateur musicians for a weekend or a week, in full board in the heart of the Occitan countryside.
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Built in 1897 to a design by Camillo Crespi Balbi, Villa Cova in Malnate was the residence of the Cova Villoresi family. Restored in the 1990s, the villa has once again become a place of gathering and culture, reflecting its long tradition of hospitality and openness.
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Our partner ITSRIGHT is a collective management organization founded in 2010 to manage, in Italy and abroad, neighboring rights’ revenues due for any kind of public use of recorded music, in compliance with the Italian Copyright Law. Their mission is to ensure a global, competent and transparent way of collecting and distributing compensations due to performers, orchestra and chorus conductors, solo and orchestra musicians, artistic producers, record companies.
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ITSRIGHT provides high-standard services that guarantees musicians a transparent and efficient way to distribute their neighboring rights’ compensations.
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If you want to learn more about their activities, or would like to have a consultancy session to learn more about your rights, click the buton below or get in touch via info@itsright.it
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YOUR MUSIC IN OUR PLAYLIST OF THE MONTH
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Do you have any recording on Spotify that you wish to share with us? We would be happy to listen to your recordings and present your ensemble and your music in our monthly newsletter in the section "Playlist of the Month".
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Our artistic director, Simone Gramaglia, each month will select the playlists and add a brief presentation to it.
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