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ABC Young Performers Awards

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Adapted from the English Wikipedia article ABC Young Performers Awards, available under CC BY-SA 4.0Updated 11 August 2025
ABC Young Performers Awards
Company typeCompetition
IndustryClassical music
Founded1944
FounderAustralian Broadcasting Commission
Defunct2015 (temporarily)
FateReinstated in 2017 under Music & Opera Singers Trust (MOST)
Area served
Australia
ParentAustralian Broadcasting Corporation (originally), Symphony Australia (later), Music & Opera Singers Trust (MOST) (current)

The ABC Young Performers Awards represents a distinguished Australian competition in the realm of classical music, dedicated to emerging musicians. This event was conducted annually from 1944 until 2015, with a hiatus before recommencing in 2017.

History

The contest was originally organised by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in partnership with Symphony Australia, a non-profit arts entity. In December 2015, the competition ceased operations due to Symphony Australia's inability to maintain its support. However, it was reinstated in 2017 under the stewardship of the charitable Music & Opera Singers Trust (MOST).

Names

Throughout its existence, the competition has experienced multiple name changes:

  • Established in 1944 by the Australian Broadcasting Commission as six separate state contests.
  • In 1950, it was titled the ABC Concerto and Vocal Competition.
  • The name changed to ABC Instrumental and Vocal Competition in 1968.
  • Adopted the title ABC Young Performers Awards in 1987.
  • From 1997, following ABC's Concerts Division transition to Symphony Australia, it was called Symphony Australia Young Performers Awards.
  • In 2005, it became known as ABC Symphony Australia Young Performers Awards.
  • Under MOST's management in 2016, it reverted to ABC Young Performers Awards.

Format

The competition began with six state-based contests without an overall champion. A Commonwealth final was introduced in 1949. Initially combined, vocal and instrumental categories separated by 1950; by 1978, four distinct categories existed: Vocal, Orchestral Strings, Keyboard, and Other Instrumental. Starting in 1981, an award for the most exceptional participant included performances with ABC orchestras. By 1986, state finals transformed into category-specific finals.

The vocal section concluded in 2002, with its awards transferring to the Australian Singing Competition.

Between 2013 and 2015, nationwide preliminary auditions selected twelve finalists irrespective of instrument. These finalists competed across Recital, Chamber Music, and Concerto stages, culminating in one being named ABC Symphony Australia Young Performer of the Year. The hosting duties rotated among Australian state orchestras; for example, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra hosted in 2013.

Since the revival in 2017, preliminary rounds have been conducted through digital video submissions. Judges choose twelve Semi-Finalists who perform public recitals; from these, three finalists advance to the Finals where one is awarded Young Performer of the Year. The entire event is broadcast on ABC Classic FM.

In 2018, recital rounds were held at City Recital Hall Sydney and the final concerto round took place at the Sydney Opera House accompanied by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. That year’s winner was violinist Emily Sun.

The 2020 edition was cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions. Adapting to ongoing challenges, the 2021 competition transitioned fully online with digital entries and pre-recorded performances. Flautist Eliza Shephard secured victory for the combined 2021/22 Awards.

Notable competitors

The Young Performers Awards and its antecedents have showcased numerous influential Australian classical musicians, including:

Related profiles

AAustralian Broadcasting CorporationPPool (website)LLange v Australian Broadcasting CorporationAAustralian Broadcasting Company
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