The finalists have been revealed for this year’s Melbourne Prize for Music 2025, one of Australia’s most prestigious and valuable music awards, with a total prize pool exceeding $90,000.
The four Victorian artists in contention for the $60,000 main prize are:
- Shane Howard AM – singer and songwriter
- Emma Donovan – singer and songwriter
- Nicolette Fraillon AM – conductor
- Deborah Conway AM – singer, songwriter and guitarist
Now in its 21st year, the Melbourne Prize recognises outstanding contributions to Australian music across genres and disciplines. Alongside the main award, this year’s program includes the Beleura John Tallis Award for Emerging Composers ($20,000), the Professional Development Award ($10,000), and two Falls Creek Musicians’ Residencies, each valued at $1,000 plus accommodation.
A Civic Choice Award, worth $2,000, will also be decided by public vote, which opens today at melbourneprize.org and closes on 9 November.
An exhibition celebrating the finalists will be on display in the Atrium at Fed Square from 30 October to 13 November, with winners announced on 13 November 2025.
This year’s judging panel comprises Missy Higgins, Benjamin Northey, and Genevieve Lacey, who praised the calibre of entries, describing the applications as “a collection of profound commitment, expression, and contribution to music in Australia.”
Founded in 2005, the Melbourne Prize Trust has distributed more than $2.5 million in prizes and residencies to Victorian musicians, writers and artists.
KEY DATES:
Finalists announced: Thursday 4 September 2025 at melbourneprize.org
Winners announced: Thursday 13 November 2025 at melbourneprize.org
Winner of the Civic Choice Award 2025 announced: Friday 14 November 2025