:: Entries open for the Melbourne Prize for Music 2010

By: Carmine Pascuzzi

Local musicians are tuning up for big rewards as entries have just opened for one of Australia’s most valuable music prizes - the Melbourne Prize for Music 2010 and Awards.

Providing opportunities for Victorian musicians, performers and composers, across all music genres and valued at over $100,000, the Melbourne Prize for Music 2010 and Awards will recognise and reward excellence and talent in music.

Melbourne Prize Trust Executive Director, Mr Simon Warrender, said the Melbourne Prize for Music 2010 and Awards will provide opportunities for local musicians across all genres and promote the abundant musical talent we have in our community. “We are thrilled to offer local musicians the opportunity to further their careers and as well support our vibrant music sector, which provides so much pleasure to the community. The prize this year has been made possible by the immense support and generosity of our partners and patrons, all of whom understand the importance of fostering our creative resources.”

The Melbourne Prize for Music 2010 and Awards include the following:

· The $60,000 Melbourne Prize for Music 2010 will be awarded to a Victorian musician, or group of musicians, whose work has made an outstanding contribution to Australian music and has enriched cultural and public life.

· The $30,000 Outstanding Musicians Award 2010 will be presented to a Victorian musician, or group of musicians, 40 years and under, for recent work representing an outstanding example of creativity and skill.

· The $13,000 Development Award 2010 will be presented to an emerging musician or group of musicians, 30 years and under, who demonstrate outstanding musical talent with the potential to develop their professional career.

Entry forms are available here
Entries can be made either by the individual musician or group or by nomination. A residency with the School of Music, Faculty of the VCA and Music, The University of Melbourne is also on offer.

Each year the Melbourne Prize Trust appoints a judging panel consisting of professionals in the sector in which the annual Melbourne Prize is being awarded – this year is music:

Awarding Committee:
Emma Ayres - Presenter ABC Classic FM
Trevor Green - Orchestra and Arts consultant
Chong Lim - Composer, Producer and Musical Director
Gary McPherson - Ormond Chair and Head, School of Music, The University of Melbourne

The Awarding Committee is supported by an Advisory Group consisting of Huw Humphreys, Director of Artistic Planning, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Andrea Keller, contemporary pianist, composer and Lyndall Metzke, concerts
co-ordinator, School of Music, Faculty of the VCA and Music, The University of Melbourne.

Entries close on July 19 and a free public exhibition of finalists will be held at Federation Square between November 8 and 22 2010. Finalists will be announced on September 15 2010 and recipients on November 10 2010 at the official website