The five finalists for this year's Melbourne Prize For Music have been shortlisted following a record number of entries for the prestigious award.
In the running for the $60,000 cash prize is Deborah Cheetham AO, David Bridie, Andrea Keller, Erkki Veltheim and Sophie Brous.
Also announced are the finalists for the Beleura Emerging Composers Award worth $12,500 - Annie Hui-Hsin Hsieh, Andrea Keller, Sophie Koh, May Lyon and Tilman Robinson. Meanwhile, Aviva Endean, Mojo Juju, Scott McConnachie, Kaiit Waup and Elizabeth Welshand will vie for the Development Award worth $18,500.
“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,” Executive Director of the Melbourne Prize Trust Simon Warrender says.
“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." Read our interview with Simon here.
The Melbourne Prize For Music 2019 And Awards provides significant opportunities and financial rewards to Victorian musicians in recognition of their outstanding talent.
It is the third and final award in the Melbourne Prize Series cycle, which rotates between Urban Sculpture, Literature and Music. Previous winners of the Melbourne Prize For Music include Paul Grabowsky - who also serves on this year's judging panel - David Jones and Brett Dean.
Now in its fifth cycle, the Melbourne Prize Series is run by the Melbourne Prize Trust, which Simon established in 2004 with three key objectives: recognise and reward excellence and talent; inspire creative development; and, enrich public life.
“Some people get their opportunities through grants, some people get it through gifts from family," Simon says.
"We happen to run a prize, and what we hope is that winning the prize also gives the winners in whatever category a profile as well. We reward and we recognise.”
