It's known as the nation's premier educational music competition, and it happens here in South Bend.

The Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition took place in the spring, but the winners are back to perform for Michiana.

Julio Elizalde, pianist of “The N-E-W Trio” says, “We keep refining and refining and it's never good enough you hope during the concert something clicks and people really see what the composer meant and wanted you to hear.”

Fortunately, for these three 24 year-old Julliard students, something really clicked the last time they were in South Bend..

Competing against almost 60 ensembles, Julio Elizalde, cellist, Gal Nyska, and violinist, Andrew Wan stole the show at the Fischoff at Notre Dame's DeBartolo Performing Arts Center.”

Wan says, “We found the acoustics there were really quite incredible.”

Nyska says, “It means a lot to be able to come back and give back some music to the people because that's what we love most.”

There's another key component to add to their love list.

Nyska says, “What better way to play these important concerts and represent Julliard with these great instruments.”

They’re working with a1642 cello and a 1740 violin that has very special meaning for very obvious reasons.

Wan says, “Beethoven actually touched it. He had written a set of quartets for his friend and by that time he was deaf, so he put his head down on the ground and put his hand on the violin to feel the vibrations so that's my connection to Beethoven.”

Maybe it's a good luck charm for the trio, maybe it’s not. They say it's likely drive and dedication.

Elizalde says, “We've really had a wonderful time growing together as friends and music colleagues.”

For winning the Fischoff competition, “The N-E-W Trio” will be performing in several concerts in the Midwest.

The big prize is performing in Italy in 2009.

Their winner’s tour will kick off at Notre Dame's DeBartolo Hall on Thursday at 7 PM.

For more information, go to http://performingarts.nd.edu/