After the performances are over Dr. Rainer Bischof, managing director of the festival, addresses the audience. He tells them that the quality level of this festival has taken a noticeable step up. They will also be awarding two grand prizes instead of the usual one because the jury could not settle on a single group. After some stage setup, and some raucous, rhythmic clapping and singing from the audience, the awards ceremony gets underway. Each prize awarded sends up a roar from the crowd.
Some groups wave flags wildly, some break into their national anthems.
There is loud applause, and Laura is presented with a beautiful crystal trophy. The Melbourne Chamber Strings take first place in our division, which surprises no one who heard their performance. The whole room, ourselves included, cheer. When all the division prizes are awarded, they announce the winners of the grand prizes. The first is a band from Japan.