Australia's Award-winning Musicians

Australian Concerto Competition and the Australian National Piano Award are two of the nation’s most distinguished competitions that offer young musicians a national stage to demonstrate their prowess in their chosen instruments. These competitions offer not just a competitive platform, but also provide winners with substantial prizes, including scholarships, mentorship, and performance opportunities, paving the way for their future careers.

Fine Music Australia Young Performer Award provides a platform for musicians under 25 to compete against each other, while the Gisborne International Music Competition in New Zealand is an opportunity for Australian musicians to test their skills internationally.

The Musica Viva Grand Prize and the Geoffrey Parsons Award are two other prestigious accolades that honour the exceptional skills of instrumentalists and accompanists respectively, fostering a culture of excellence and encouraging the pursuit of musical mastery.

Dorcus McClean Travelling Scholarship provides the invaluable opportunity for talented violinists to further their studies overseas, enriching their musical knowledge and expertise through international exposure. The Kendall National Violin Competition, another premier event, nurtures young violinists and offers them a national platform to showcase their talent.

The Melbourne Abroad Travelling Scholarship and the Ian Potter Cultural Trust Grant are two key awards that provide musicians with the resources to pursue their musical dreams overseas, fostering cross-cultural exchanges and broadening the musicians’ horizons.

Australia Council for the Arts Award and the Australian Music Foundation Award are prominent recognitions that support and endorse the creativity and professionalism of Australian musicians. They are symbolic of the nation’s commitment to nurturing its artistic talents.

The ABC Young Performer of the Year Award is a coveted title that recognises and nurtures Australia’s most promising young performers. This award has launched the careers of many musicians, providing them with national recognition and numerous performance opportunities.

The Banff International String Quartet Competition and the Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition are two international competitions where Australian musicians can showcase their talent and compete with their global counterparts. Winning these competitions is a testament to the world-class talent nurtured in Australia.

The Melbourne Violin Competition, an event initiated by Australian violinist and entrepreneur Jennen Ngiau-Keng, is a new addition to the global music contest scene. It offers a unique and daunting challenge for the competitors. The competition focuses on the solo violin compositions of Johann Sebastian Bach, specifically his Six Sonatas and Partitas, which demand a high level of skill and precision from the violinist. The jury consists of Melbourne’s leading classical musicians, ensuring a fair and expert evaluation of the performances.