FLASHBACK FRIDAY | VC Artist Merz Trio — 2019 Concert Artists Guild 1st Prize Winners

Applications are now open for the 2022 edition

Watch the VC Young Artist Merz Trio's first prize performance at the 2019 Concert Artists Guild Victor Elmaleh Competition:

VC YOUNG ARTIST MERZ TRIO | BEETHOVEN PIANO TRIO IN E-FLAT MAJOR OP. 70 NO. 2 | FINAL | 2019 CONCERT ARTISTS GUILD FINAL | 1ST PRIZE

Comprising pianist Lee Dionne, violinist Brigid Coleridge, and cellist Julia Yang, the trio received three years of artist management and career development on the roster of Concert Artists Guild as winners of the 2019 edition — including performance opportunities with more than 40 leading orchestras, concert series, and festivals.

"We were ready for more practical support in navigating the US concert scene and we had been interested in CAG for a while as an organization that encouraged innovative programming and different approaches to concertizing," Merz Trio violinist, Brigid Coleridge told The Violin Channel. "We knew a number of groups and individuals on their roster who were doing really interesting things, and thought that it would be a great next step for our trio."

Having previously served as the Professional Trio-in-Residence at the New England Conservatory, the Merz Trio is a former first prize winner at the Fischoff Chamber Music Competition and also was recently awarded first prize at the 2021 Naumburg International Chamber Music Competition, in New York City

"CAG has been really life-changing for our trio. During the height of the pandemic, they provided crucial support and community as well as very helpful professional development, so that we felt as though we were continuing to move forwards in our work" - violinist Brigid Coleridge

Applications are now open for the 2022 Concert Artists Guild Competition, with next year's winners to receive international management representation in North and South America and Europe jointly with Young Classical Artists Trust (YCAT) in London. They will also be offered Merkin Concert Hall and Wigmore Hall recital debuts plus a series of workshops, panels, and programs to address key areas that often fall outside the scope of traditional education but are fundamental to the success of any professional musician.

"We are looking for compelling artists that reach people through their music, that is paramount. Beyond that, we look to partner with artists that have a vision, creativity, hunger, and a wish to share and engage" - Concert Artists Guild President, Tanya Bannister

"Now that concerts are returning, CAG has made sure that our schedule is full — and we've been on the road pretty continuously for the past few months!" Brigid said.

"Our agents have also been wonderful advocates for our work and have been available as sounding boards for any questions or fledgling ideas we might have — they have terrific insight into the workings of the US chamber music world that we're very grateful to be able to draw on."

Applications for the Concert Artists Guild's 2022 Victor Elmaleh Competition are to be received by January 21, 2022 — with the Finalist's Showcase and winners' announcement to be streamed LIVE here on The Violin Channel on May 25 and 26.