The finalists in one of Australia’s most valuable music prizes, the Melbourne Prize for Music 2019 and Awards, have been announced today.
The Melbourne Prize for Music 2019 and Awards provides significant opportunities and financial rewards to Victorian musicians in recognition of their outstanding talent. The 2019 finalists have been shortlisted following a record number of entries spanning a range of music genres.
The NEW $60,000 MELBOURNE PRIZE FOR MUSIC 2019 will be awarded to an outstanding Victorian musician or group whose work demonstrates exceptional musicianship, skill and creativity. All music genres are eligible for this Prize. The Melbourne Prize for Music is supported by principal partner, The Vera Moore Foundation and the Melbourne Prize Trust.
The finalists are:
Deborah Cheetham AO
David Bridie
Andrea Keller
Erkki Veltheim
Sophie Brous
The $18,500 DEVELOPMENT AWARD 2019 will be awarded to an early career musician or group of musicians who demonstrate outstanding musical talent and potential. All music genres are eligible for this Award. The Development Award 2019 includes $10,000 cash, a $6,000 Yamaha Music voucher and a $2,500 Qantas airfare voucher. The Development Award 2019 is supported by Dr Alastair Jackson AM, Yamaha Music Australia and Qantas.
The finalists are:
Aviva Endean
Mojo Juju
Scott McConnachie
Kaiit Waup
Elizabeth Welsh
The $12,500 BELEURA EMERGING COMPOSERS AWARD 2019 will be awarded to an emerging Victorian composer to commission work to further develop their career. All genres of composition are eligible for this Award. The Beleura Emerging Composers Award 2019 is made possible by The Tallis Foundation, in memory of John Tallis (1911-1996).
The finalists are:
Annie Hui-Hsin Hsieh
Andrea Keller
Sophie Koh
May Lyon
Tilman Robinson
The $20,000 DISTINGUISHED MUSICIANS FELLOWSHIP 2019 will be awarded to a finalist in the Melbourne Prize for Music 2019, the Beleura Emerging Composers Award 2019 and the Development Award 2019. The Distinguished Musicians Fellowship 2019 will reward a Victorian musician with a commercial engagement with the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music and is made possible by the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music and The University of Melbourne. The recipient will be announced on November 13.
The 2019 judges include six esteemed music sector professionals: Kate Miller-Heidke, singer/songwriter, Kutcha Edwards, singer/songwriter; Professor Paul Grabowsky AO, Pianist, Composer, Conductor, Director Monash Academy of Performing Arts; Professor Liza Lim, Composer, Professor of Composition, Sydney Conservatorium of Music; Melissa King, Director of Artistic Planning, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra; and Helen Marcou AM, Co-founder of Bakehouse Studios and SLAM.
2019 JUDGES’ STATEMENT:
“The Melbourne Prize for Music arises out of a particular vision of our city as a place of depth, diversity and opportunity, and the many ways in which music reflects the fabric of contemporary life. The process of adjudication itself highlights the range of the competition, as the judges bring a vast body of knowledge and experience to the table; empathy and equality are stars that guide our deliberations. The quality of the music we have heard, and the future dreams shared with us, have amounted to a moving and exhilarating affirmation that Melbourne’s musical culture continues to grow boldly, and that we should all take great pride in the power of music to transform, empower and heal. It is a privilege to be entrusted with this task. Congratulations to the finalists and thank you to all who entered this year.” MEDIA RELEASE For Immediate Release | Wednesday 4 September 2019
Celebrating 15 years of supporting Victorian sculptors, writers and musicians, Melbourne Prize Trust Executive Director, Mr Simon Warrender said that he is delighted with the strong response to this year’s Melbourne Prize for Music 2019 & Awards.
“The interest and talent in this year’s Prize has been overwhelming and I would like to thank all entrants in what was a record-breaking year for the total number entries received,” Mr Warrender said.
“Finalists have been chosen from an immensely strong field from across all genres and career stages. The finalists in this year’s Melbourne Prize for Music 2019 and Awards are a testament to Melbourne and Victoria’s dynamic and diverse music scene.
“On behalf of the Melbourne Prize Trust I would like to thank our principal partner, The Vera Moore Foundation, Government and Prize Partners, Event and Exhibition Partner Federation Square and all 2019 patrons and partners for their generous support in making this year’s Melbourne Prize and Awards possible,” he added.
Voting is now also open for the $3,000 CIVIC CHOICE AWARD 2019, which will be awarded to a finalist across all Award categories with the highest number of public votes. The Civic Choice Award 2019 is proudly supported by Readings. Voters will have a chance to win an overnight stay at Melbourne Sofitel on Collins – Melbourne’s hotel for the arts.
KEY DATES:
Public Exhibition at Federation Square: Monday 11 Monday 25 November 2019
Winners announced: Wednesday 13 November 2019
Winner of the Civic Choice Award 2019 announced: Friday 29 November 2019
For all announcements visit www.melbourneprize.org