The winner of one of Australia’s most valuable and sought-after music awards was announced last night at Fed Square. Valued at $60,000, the Melbourne Prize for Music 2022 recognises an outstanding contribution to Australian music and our cultural life and provides the recipient with career development opportunities. Supported by Major Patron The Vera Moore Foundation, and The Tallis Foundation. The Melbourne Prize for Music 2022 winner is MISSY HIGGINS. This year’s winner joins impressive alumni, including Professor Deborah Cheetham AO (2019), Kutcha Edwards (2017), Brett Dean (2013), David Jones (2010), Professor Paul Grabowsky AO (2007).
Melbourne Prize Trust Executive Director, Mr Simon Warrender said, “We are delighted with the response this year and the support we have had from the music sector. I would like to congratulate the finalists and winner and express my thanks to all entrants. This year’s activities would not have been possible without the generous support of our partners and patrons – thank you one and all.” Melbourne Lord Mayor, Sally Capp said, “Music is intrinsically part of Melbourne, with live music filling our streets and music venues every single day. We’re a city that has launched global music careers for decades, and this year’s Melbourne Prize winners cement our legacy. Thank you to the Melbourne Prize Trust for supporting future stars, and recognising their incredible tenacity in the face of extraordinary pressures over the past two years.”
LIZA LIM, MINDY MENG-WANG and JIM WHITE are the finalists in the Melbourne Prize 2022 and receive $1,000 each, supported by Fed Square. The 2022 judges include three esteemed music professionals – Professor Deborah Cheetham AO, soprano and composer, Helen Marcou AM, co-founder of Bakehouse Studios and SLAM, and Benjamin Northey, conductor. Judge’s Statement: “The range and diversity of entries this year made the process of judging as overwhelming as it was exciting. The response to the 2022 prize and awards, each of which offer the recipient direct assistance with their music careers, is testament to the resilience of the Victorian music sector. Missy Higgins, Annie Hui-Hsin Hseih and Jessica Hitchcock are remarkable talents and inspirations of personal achievement and commitment to their music. Each has made a unique and substantial contribution to Australian music and in turn our cultural life. Congratulations to the three finalists in the Melbourne Prize for Music 2022 and thank you to the many entrants this year across all three categories, as well as the local music sector for supporting this initiative. Music is an essential part of all our lives and well-being and enriches our community and we want to see the sector thrive in years to come.”
ANNIE HUI-HSIN HSEIH is the winner of the $20,000 Beleura Emerging Composers Award 2022 to develop her music career. Supported by The Tallis Foundation, in memory of John Tallis (1911-1996).
JESSICA HITCHCOCK is the winner of the $10,000 (plus $1,000 Qantas voucher) Professional Development Award 2022 to fund project/s to assist with her music career. Supported by Dr Alastair Jackson AM.
The winner of the $2,000 Civic Choice Award 2022 will be announced at www.melbourneprize.org on November 11.
For information visit www.melbourneprize.org