The winners of the esteemed Melbourne Prize for Music 2019 and Awards were announced on Monday night (18 November) at a special awards ceremony.
Acclaimed Indigenous soprano, composer and Artistic Director of Short Black Opera Deborah Cheetham AO was awarded the $60,000 Melbourne Prize For Music 2019 for being an outstanding Victorian musician whose work demonstrates exceptional musicianship, skill and creativity.
Vocalist and songwriter Mojo Juju is the recipient of the $18,500 Development Award 2019 for her outstanding musical talent and the potential to develop her professional career. The Development Award 2019 includes $10,000 cash, a $6,000 Yamaha Music voucher and a $2,500 Qantas airfare voucher.
Jazz pianist Andrea Keller walked away with the $12,500 Beleura Emerging Composers Award 2019 to commission work to further develop her career.
Composer, improviser and performer Erkki Veltheim was awarded the $20,000 Distinguished Musicians Fellowship 2019, which includes a commercial engagement with the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music.
Celebrating 15 years of supporting Victorian artists, Melbourne Prize Trust Executive Director Simon Warrender says he is delighted with the strong response to this year’s Melbourne Prize for Music 2019 & Awards.
“The response to this year's prize I am sure made choosing a winner a challenging task for the judges,” Mr Warrender says.
“On behalf of the Melbourne Prize Trust, I would like to commend our winners, finalists and applicants all of whom strengthen and enrich Melbourne’s local music scene, as well as our global reputation for creativity."
All 2019 finalists are still in the running for the publicly-voted Civic Choice Award worth $3,000.
Melbourne Prize For Music 2019 winners
Melbourne Prize For Music - Deborah Cheetham AODevelopment Award - Mojo Juju
Beleura Award For Emerging Composers - Andrea Keller
Distinguished Musicians Fellowship - Erkki Veltheim
