Houston-based Trio Menil scooped the grand prize of $5,000 along with a future performance opportunity

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The Plowman Chamber Music Competition finalists | facebook.com

The 10th Plowman Chamber Music Competition took place on 25 and 26 March 2023 in Columbia, MO. 15 ensembles took part in a semi-final round, followed by a finals concert from five ensembles.

Trio Menil took the grand prize of $5,000 cash. Comprising violinist Jeongwon Claire An, cellist David Dietz and pianist Jonathan Mak, the trio was additionally awarded the Odyssey Chamber Music Series Award of $2,000, with an opportunity to perform in Odyssey Chamber Music Series in 2024.

First place in piano/strings category went to the Zelter String Quartet, while first place in the wind/brass category went to the Kodachrome Saxophone Quartet. Both ensembles received $2,000 and the Kodachrome Quartet also won the audience prize worth $500.

Honourable mentions worth $500 each went to the Estrella Quartet and the Amo Brass Quintet.

Formed in 2006, the Plowman Chamber Music Competition provides an opportunity for non-professional musicians to perform in front of a panel of nationally chosen judges. It honours Janice Plowman, a Columbia community member who dedicated her life to education and the arts. This year’s jury comprised pianist Lucille Chung, cellist Amit Peled, and horn player Jeff Scott.

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