Read more news stories here
The fifth edition of the Filippo Nicosia International Award took place on 30 August at the Villa Medici Giulini in Briosco, Italy, following two days of intensive masterclasses.
The prize was ultimately won by Israeli quartet Ensemble Finale, which received €5,000, a debut recording with Da Vinci Publishing, a portrait by Archi Magazine, sets of Larsen strings, and a GEWA violin case. The quartet also receives performance engagements at venues including the Amici del Teatro Carlo Felice e del Conservatorio Niccolò Paganini, the Famiglia Artistica Reggiana, and the Gioventù Musicale d’Italia.
Duo Gullino-Troncarelli won the award for Best Italian Ensemble, receiving two concert engagements in China, as well as the Casa Musicale Del Rio Prize, gaining free use of Reggio Emilia’s Steinway Hall for concerts, rehearsals, and recordings.
Musica Nova á Quattro was awarded the prize for the most deserving violinist, receiving a violin made by Liuteria Grisales, while both the Ineo Quartet and Trio David receive concert engagements during the 2026–2027 season.
Founded in 2020, Ensemble Finale consists of violinists Victoria Gelman and Omer Herz, violist Leikie Glick, and cellist Gali Knaani. The quartet has attended the Stauffer Academy in Cremona and has performed at festivals including the Muzi International Chamber Music Festival, the Tamir Chamber Music Series, and the Felicia Blumental Festival.
The masterclass teachers and jurors for this year’s award were violinists Boris Garlitsky and Cristiano Gualco, violist Dimitri Hoffmann, cellist Peter Jarůšek, and pianist Jacques Ammon. Each group received a lesson with every teacher.
As part of the prize, Ensemble Finale will perform at the 2025 Cremona Musica exhibition on 28 September.