The 2025 Filippo Nicosia Award concluded on 30 August at Villa Medici Giulini in Briosco, Italy, following two days of intensive masterclasses for musicians.
The top prize went to the Israeli quartet Ensemble Finale. They received €5,000, a debut recording with Da Vinci Publishing, a portrait in Archi Magazine, sets of Larsen strings, and a GEWA violin case. The quartet also earned performance engagements at prestigious venues, including Amici del Teatro Carlo Felice e del Conservatorio Niccolò Paganini, Famiglia Artistica Reggiana, and Gioventù Musicale d’Italia.
Duo Gullino-Troncarelli won the Best Italian Ensemble award. Their prize includes two concert engagements in China and the Casa Musicale Del Rio Prize. This gives them free access to Steinway Hall in Reggio Emilia for concerts, rehearsals, and recordings.
Musica Nova á Quattro received the prize for the most outstanding violinist. The award includes a handcrafted violin made by Liuteria Grisales. In addition, the Ineo Quartet and Trio David secured concert engagements during the 2026–2027 season.
Ensemble Finale, founded in 2020, features violinists Victoria Gelman and Omer Herz, violist Leikie Glick, and cellist Gali Knaani. The group trained at the Stauffer Academy in Cremona and has performed at festivals such as the Muzi International Chamber Music Festival, the Tamir Chamber Music Series, and the Felicia Blumental Festival.
This year’s masterclasses and jury panel included violinists Boris Garlitsky and Cristiano Gualco, violist Dimitri Hoffmann, cellist Peter Jarůšek, and pianist Jacques Ammon. Each ensemble had the chance to receive lessons from every teacher, enhancing both their technique and musical expression.
As part of their prize, Ensemble Finale will perform at the Cremona Musica exhibition on 28 September 2025, offering audiences a chance to experience their award-winning talents live.
The Filippo Nicosia Award, now in its fifth edition, continues to spotlight rising chamber musicians while providing them with international exposure and professional opportunities. The combination of masterclasses, performance prizes, and recording projects makes it one of Europe’s notable competitions for young ensembles and soloists.
This year’s winners reflect both technical skill and artistic creativity, ensuring that the next generation of classical musicians receives recognition and opportunities to develop their careers on international stages.
