The inaugural event of the Misbin Family Memorial Chamber Music Competition, created and funded by Dr. Robert Misbin, PARTNERS’ vice president, was held on April 27 at Levine Music’s main campus in Washington, DC.

Open to instrumental chamber music students, adult amateurs, and professional musicians, cash prizes were awarded in four categories:  junior (under 13 years), senior (under 19 years), adult amateur, and adult professional.  An additional prize, the Misbin Family Memorial Award for the best group with a pianist, was won by the John S. Martin Trio in the senior division.

Winners also are given opportunities to perform at prestigious venues in the Washington, DC area.

The winners of the senior division of the Misbin Family Memorial Chamber  Music Competition performed at the National Gallery of Art in the West Garden Court on May 18.  Playing their first concert since winning the inaugural competition on April 27, three groups and two pianists presented works by Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms, and Frank.

Placing first and second were the MCYO (Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras) Quartet and Quintet, followed by El Trio Magnifique and pianists Nicole Schwartz and Cinnamon Sipper.  The age range of the senior division is 13 to 19 years.

The competition is co-sponsored by Levine Music and Washington Performing Arts.