ABC Young Performers Awards: A Legacy of Nurturing Australian Classical Talent

Established in 1944, the ABC Young Performers Awards have historically served as a significant platform for emerging Australian classical musicians, contributing to launching the careers of many notable artists. Entries are now open for the 2026 ABC Young Performers Awards, inviting classical musicians aged 31 and under to participate.

The ABC Young Performers Awards have a rich history, providing a vital platform for emerging Australian classical musicians and launching many distinguished careers.

Impact on Past Winners

Claire Edwardes, Percussionist (1999 Winner)

Edwardes utilized the competition to focus her efforts before commencing postgraduate studies. Her preparation involved a detailed, hand-written piano reduction of Joseph Schwantner's Concerto for Percussion and Orchestra. Following her win, Edwardes performed as a soloist with Australian symphony orchestras for seven years, an opportunity she attributes to the award.

Claire Edwardes attributed her seven years of performing as a soloist with Australian symphony orchestras directly to her win at the awards.

Emily Sun, Violinist (2018 Winner)

Sun noted that winning the Young Performers Awards marked a crucial development in her performing career. The award provided her with confidence and opportunities for concerto, recital, and chamber performances across Australia. As part of her prize, Sun became ABC Classic's Artist in Residence, which included recording an album. In 2023, she became the custodian of The Adelaide, a 250-year-old Italian violin crafted by Giovanni Battista Guadagnini.

Emily Sun attributes her win to a crucial development in her performing career, providing confidence and diverse performance opportunities, including becoming ABC Classic's Artist in Residence.

Lloyd Van't Hoff, Clarinettist (2015 Winner)

Van't Hoff highlighted the value of connections made with other musicians during the competition. After completing his studies, he decided to audition despite initial intimidation. The competition facilitated collaborations with established ensembles, such as the Flinders Quartet, and led to the formation of his own group, the Arcadia wind quintet. He also noted a strong sense of camaraderie among competitors.

Lloyd Van't Hoff emphasized the competition's role in fostering valuable connections with other musicians, leading to significant collaborations and the creation of his own ensemble.

Eliza Shephard, Flautist (2022 Winner)

Shephard, a proponent of contemporary music, prepared for the competition following postgraduate studies and specialized training in New York. Her cohort experienced an extended competition process due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, which necessitated performances in empty studios with a single support person. Shephard stated that the competition taught her to effectively convey her musical identity through repertoire and curatorial choices. A portion of her prize money was allocated to commission new music from six Australian female composers, supporting her ongoing "March of the Women" project.

Eliza Shephard utilized her prize money to commission new music from six Australian female composers, directly supporting her "March of the Women" project and showcasing her commitment to contemporary music.

The ABC Young Performers Awards continue to invite musicians aged 31 and under to enter for the 2026 competition.