Fifty-six young musicians that form 16 chamber music ensembles from around the globe will compete in one of classical music‘s most prestigious world events.

The competition is staged in Melbourne every four years for piano trios and string quartets and is one of the richest classical music competitions in the world. The groups compete for substantial cash prizes and a series of worldwide concert engagements.

The studio has worked with Chamber Music Australia since 1999. Our experience in the classical music arena stretches back to 1994 to 97, with work developed with photographer Greg Barrett (pictured) for the Australian Chamber Orchestra.
This competition is much anticipated as it comes around infrequently. The graphic identity for the competition contrasts the photographic solution developed in 2003. The studio wanted to develop a communication programme that positions the event at the highest level of excellence and musical endeavour.

The challenge for chamber music is generally centred around trying to win the attention of a younger audience. In 1996 we showed audiences and the public an image of classical music celebrated by the young musicians who produce it. The cello image (pictured) is a homage to modern art and artists like Christo. The bright orange that splashed all of the promotions challenged the conservative image that are often associated with classical music.

In 2007 we developed a monumental and active graphic mark that references graphic design of the 1980s. Andrew Ashton, who developed the graphic mark, collects Australian postage stamps developed in the 1980s by designers such Brian Sadgrove, Ken Cato, Lyndon Whaite and Garry Emery. “Philatelic design in this period seemed to look and feel like currency rather than kiddie picture books” Ashton adds. “Stamps with strong flat colour, graphic illustration, little realistic photography and few vignettes presented graphic design in a distinctive light. A stamp of the 80s was a striking example of graphic design, a tiny piece of art”.

Events in the 60s, 70s, and 80s were often centred around a strong graphic image. With the support of Chamber Music Australia’s management and Board the studio developed an abstract — 5, depicted as the Roman numeral — V. The solid down stroke transforming into five graphic upstrokes represents the five continents, the abstracted f-hole references the instruments. In gloom ridden times, colour had an important role too, rather than one colour we wanted the event to own several colours.

The studio is currently rolling out the printed materials. An A2 event brochure is in print production and due to hit the streets on Thursday 26 May. Signing, apparel, advertising and programme will be ready in the coming weeks leading up to July.

Visit chambermusicaustralia.com.au for ticketing details.

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The studio was engaged by the Melbourne Fringe organisation in March to develop the communications work for the 2007 festival. Work has commenced, concepts have sort commentary, the design process is well underway. Expect some Chicago action.

Expressions of Interest for the Festival Hub in North Melbourne are now open and close 5pm Friday 11 May. Applications and venue technical specifications are available from melbournefringe.com.au.

Festival Registration for all events open online from melbournefringe.com.au Monday 28 May and close Friday 15 June.

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