Awarding of the Hans Gál Ensemble Prize 2025 to the Amelio Trio

On 15 December 2025 at 7 p.m., the Academy will host the award ceremony for the Hans Gál Ensemble Prize, which will be awarded to the Amelio Trio, consisting of Johanna Schubert (violin), Merle Geissler (cello), and Philipp Kirchner (piano).

With the Amelio Trio, the jury has selected a young ensemble that is »undoubtedly one of the most promising chamber music formations of its generation« and is particularly distinguished by »a combination of expressive musicality, intelligent interpretation, personal approach to the work and great stage presence.« The jury emphasises in its statement that the ensemble is »eagerly seeking new concepts and contemporary compositions, which they perform with their own voice. We see enormous potential for an international career in this ensemble and would like to use this award not only to honour their artistic achievements to date, but also to specifically support the trio's next career steps.«

The Amelio Trio, consisting of Johanna Schubert (violin), Merle Geissler (cello), and Philipp Kirchner (piano), has established itself as one of the leading chamber music ensembles of its generation. Founded in 2012, the trio has impressed audiences with its distinctive ensemble playing and musical energy, which it has perfected over more than a decade of performing together. It was named ECHO Rising Star for the 2026/27 season, which includes performances in the most prestigious concert halls throughout Europe. The ensemble's growing international career was launched by recent competition successes, including 2nd prize at the renowned ARD Music Competition 2023 in Munich, the German Music Competition 2024 prize and 1st prize at the Schumann Chamber Music Competition 2022. Their debut CD, Time in Flux, was released on 5 September 2025 by the Leipzig label GENUIN.

PROGRAMME

Welcoming
Prof. Dr. Andrea Rapp (President of the Academy of Sciences and Literature | Mainz)

Greeting
State Secretary Prof. Dr. Jürgen Hardeck (Ministry for Family, Women, Culture and Integration of the State of Rhineland-Palatinate) 

Amelio Trio
Charles Ives (1874-1954): Piano Trio, 2nd movement TSIAJ. Presto

Laudatory speech
Prof. Ervis Gega

Award ceremony for the Amelio Trio
Johanna Schubert (violin)
Merle Geissler (cello)
Philipp Kirchner (piano)

Amelio Trio
Hans Gál (1890-1987): Variations on a Viennese Heurigen Melody, Op. 9

Amelio Trio
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827): Piano Trio No. 7 in B flat major, Op. 97

Small reception

The Academy of Sciences and Literature Mainz and the Villa Musica Rhineland-Palatinate State Foundation have been awarding the Hans Gál Ensemble Prize since 2020. The prize, which honours international young ensembles, was made possible in honour of the Jewish composer Hans Gál and through the foundation of the same name established by Susanne and Andreas Barner. Depending on the size of the ensemble, it is endowed with 12,000 to 20,000 euros.

The prize is intended to commemorate the composer, musicologist, and music educator Hans Gál (1890-1987). He was director of the Mainz Conservatory from 1929 to 1933. After the National Socialists seized power, Hans Gál, who was of Hungarian-Jewish descent, was immediately suspended and left Germany in the same year. The family initially lived in difficult circumstances in Vienna and emigrated to Great Britain in 1938. As a composer, he leaves behind an extensive oeuvre in the tradition of Johannes Brahms and the Viennese turn of the century.

Admission is free. Registration is required at this link.

Invitation flyer