2026 Great Romantics Competition

National competition platform for emerging Romantic performers.

Melbourne Recital Centre's Great Romantics Competition returns in 2026. Now in its 17th year, this important national competition provides a platform for young musicians and ensembles passionate about Romantic repertoire, including such luminaries as Brahms, Liszt and Schumann. Open to soloists, duos or small ensembles, Australia's talented young musicians will battle it out for the prestigious Elisabeth Murdoch Prize, which includes a combination of cash plus media and professional development opportunities.

The Great Romantics Competition is supported by Annamila Pty Ltd, Mrs Margaret S. Ross AM & Dr Ian C Ross.

Ticket Prices

Tickets to 2026 Great Romantics Competition are free, however booking is required.

Please note, if the event is sold out, you may still obtain a seat by arriving at the venue before the start time and visiting the Box Office. They will have a supply of additional tickets available on the day exclusively for walk-ups.

Finalists

Michael Liu (VIC) oboe
Max Wung (VIC) cello
Connor Whyte (ACT) classical guitar
Andre Oberleuter (QLD) bassoon
Andrew Wang (NSW) violin
Freya Parr (VIC) clarinet
Ziyuan Fu (VIC) piano
Fiasco Quartet (VIC)

Judges

Kristian Chong
Recognised as one of Australia's leading musicians, pianist Kristian Chong has performed extensively throughout Australia and the UK, and in China, France, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, USA, and Zimbabwe. His performance schedule finds him in frequent demand as concerto soloist, solo recitalist and particularly as chamber musician.

Monica Curro
Monica has been Assistant Principal Second Violin of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra since 1998 and was previously a core member of the Australian Chamber Orchestra. Monica Curro has played with the Australian World Orchestra, SSO, QSO, TSO, and has been a Guest Concertmaster of WASO and the Auckland Chamber Orchestra.

Jack Schiller
Jack has been Principal Bassoon of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra since 2013. From 2008 he spent four years under the tutelage of Mark Gaydon (Adelaide Symphony Orchestra), including two years of study at the Elder Conservatorium of Music. During this time he was a member of the Australian Youth Orchestra and attended National Music Camp. 

Thank you to all who applied! 

Entrants will compete for the $8000 Elisabeth Murdoch Prize plus media and professional development opportunities, as well as the $2,000 Kantor Encouragement Awards.

The Great Romantics Competition is open to instrumental and vocal soloists, duos or small ensembles (5 competitors or less), focusing on university music students or recent graduates. Entrants must be aged between 18 - 25 years of age (at 1 January 2026) and permanent residents or citizens of Australia or New Zealand.

Competition repertoire must consist of work/s composed between 1810-1900 and not exceed 20 minutes in total duration.

There will be one day of final competition performances to be held at Melbourne Recital Centre on Saturday 12 September 2026. This event is free, however tickets are required for entry.

Interstate applicants are encouraged to enter and may apply for funding to support travel and accommodation expenses.

Please download the competition guidelines here.

For all other enquires please contact 03 9699 2228 during business hours or email learning@melbournerecital.com.au