Wednesday 10th November 2010: The Melbourne Prize Trust today announced the winners of the Melbourne Prize for Music 2010, the Outstanding Musicians Award 2010 and the Development Award 2010.
Acclaimed drummer and percussionist David Jones was awarded the $60,000 Melbourne Prize for Music 2010. The Prize is awarded to a Victorian professional musician, or group of musicians, whose body of work has made an outstanding contribution to Australian music and has enriched cultural and public life. The Melbourne Prize for Music 2010 is supported by the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation, The Tallis Foundation and the Melbourne Prize Trust.
The $30,000 Outstanding Musicians Award 2010 was awarded to conductor Benjamin Northey, recognising his work as an outstanding example of creativity and skill. The Outstanding Musicians Award 2010 is supported by Dame Elisabeth Murdoch A.C. D.B.E.
Pianist and composer Natalie Bartsch was announced as the winner of the $13,000 Development Award 2010, which recognises an emerging musician, or group of musicians, who demonstrate outstanding musical talent. The award comprises a $6,000 music instrument grant provided by Yamaha Music Australia Pty Ltd and $7,000 cash provided by Readings Books Music & Film and the Melbourne Prize Trust. A Residency with The Melbourne Conservatorium of Music and Victorian College of the Arts and Music was also awarded to Natalie.
At over $100,000 in total, the Melbourne Prize for Music 2010 and awards are some of the most valuable prizes of their kind in Australia.
The announcements, which were attended by many music industry luminaries, were made at BMW Edge in Federation Square and included the opening of the free exhibition of finalists in the Atrium – November 8 to 22.
David Jones, Benjamin Northey and Natalie Bartsch join Paul Grabowsky, Genevieve Lacey and Julian Langdon in the Melbourne Prize Trust’s alumni of music recipients.
Arts Minister Peter Batchelor said, Melbourne is home to a rich and diverse music scene, with an extraordinary depth of musical talent across all genres. Congratulations to the winners and the finalists. I thank them for the contribution they make to the cultural life of our city and State.
Future Melbourne (People and Creative City) Chair, Councillor Jennifer Kanis said, The City of Melbourne is proud to support the Melbourne Prize, which complements our music initiatives and support for all forms of music across Melbourne. The quality and breadth of finalists in this year’s Melbourne Prize for Music are a testament to Melbourne’s rich cultural life.
Melbourne Prize Trust Executive Director, Simon Warrender thanked the Prize’s partners and patrons for their generous support in providing opportunities for our musicians and the dedication of the judges and he expressed his appreciation to the music sector for their immense interest and support.
Mr Warrender said, The Prize reflects a vibrant and thriving music sector and the immense and diverse talent we have in Victoria. Thank you to all finalists and applicants this year.
A free public exhibition of all finalists is currently on in the Atrium at Federation Square, the Trust’s exhibition and event partner, between 8 and 22 November 2010. The public can vote for their favourite finalist at www.melbourneprizetrust.org between 8 and 22 November.
The Melbourne Prize for Music 2010 is supported by the State Government through Arts Victoria, and the City of Melbourne. The Melbourne Prize Trust is an initiative of the Committee for Melbourne. Visit www.melbourneprizetrust.org for the 2010 partners and patrons.
For more articles, information and details, visit the following websites:
The Sydney Morning Herald
The Hume Leader
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