Hobart, Oct 29 – Nov 7: 12 Finalists in the 2015 ABC Symphony Australia Young Performers Awards

2014 Finalists – ABC Symphony Australia Young Performers Awards. Photo: Jennie Groom

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With an increased prize pool, the 2015 ABC Symphony Australia Young Performers Awards is more lucrative than ever for bright, talented young Australian classical musicians. There are 12 brilliant Finalists who will compete in Hobart between 29 October – 7 November for the coveted title of the ABC Symphony Australia Young Performer of the Year.

The three Grand Finalists will perform their nominated Concerto with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra at Federation Concert Hall in Hobart, under the baton of Johannes Fritzsch.

Now in its 71st year, the Awards have more prizes than ever for Australia’s most talented young classical musicians. These Awards have launched many glittering international music careers.

“Whilst the musicians have a chance to win more prizes than ever before, the big prize is the career springboard and the opportunity to perform with a symphony orchestra,” says Kate Lidbetter, CEO of Symphony Australia.

“We have seen many talented Australian performers catapulted onto the world stage after winning this Award. It’s exciting to see the long term benefits both to the individual musicians and Australian culture of these Awards.”

“We find that many Award winners invest their prize money on overseas musical study, and then they bring back greater expertise to this country which enriches our cultural and musical heritage.”

This year the ABC Symphony Australia Young Performer of the Year wins $25,000, the two Concerto Finalists win $10,000 each and $6000 is awarded to each of the following categories: People’s Choice, Best Chamber Music Performance, Best Recital, Best Performance of an Australian work and the Triffitt Prize, a new prize thanks to a generous bequest from Dr Gregory Byron Triffitt.

The winner also receives performance opportunities with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, the ABC Sir Charles Moses Young Performer’s Trophy, multiple copies of a professionally recorded and produced CD, media training and photo shoot and a feature interview in Limelight magazine. It is an extraordinary career boost for any young musician.

Past winners read like a ‘who’s who’ of Australian musicians – such as Roger Woodward, Simon Tedeschi, Diana Doherty and Nathan Waks – who have created successful careers for themselves, here in Australia and on the international stage.

During the Awards, audiences will be treated to performances from musicians who will perform in a ‘festival-type’ format of 7 concerts across 10 days in three rounds – solo recital, chamber and concerto rounds.

“Symphony Australia and ABC changed the format of the competition three years ago to include solo recital, chamber music and concerto performance.”
“What we’re seeing in our young musicians is outstanding performance in these three areas – high technical proficiency, an understanding of the repertoire and an appreciation of musical style,” says Ms Lidbetter.

“It’s so inspiring to experience this level of talent and proficiency in Australia’s young musicians.”

2015 ABC Symphony Australia Young Performers Awards Finalists:
Aaron Liu, 22 (Piano – QLD)
Christopher Cartlidge, 26 (Viola – VIC)
Doretta Balkizas, 24 (Violin – VIC)
Ennes Mehmedbasic, 20 (Oboe – NSW)
Kiran Phatak, 25 (Flute – WA)
Lily Higson-Spence, 16 (Violin – QLD)
Lloyd Van’t Hoff, 24 (Clarinet – QLD)
Mee Na Lojewski, 28 (Cello – VIC)
Peter de Jager, 25 (Piano – VIC)
Sonja Scheback, 29 (Violin – NSW)
Vatche Jambazian, 27 (Piano – NSW)
Zoe Freisberg, 22 (Violin – VIC)
Finalists’ biographies and images: http://symphonyinternational.net/artist-development/performers/

Live concerts:
Thursday 29 October Recital concerts 1 & 2 (1:30pm and 7:30pm Hobart Town Hall)
Friday 30 October Recital concerts 3 & 4 (1:30pm and 7:30pm Hobart Town Hall)
Tuesday 3 November Chamber concerts 1 & 2 (1:30pm and 7:30pm Hobart Town Hall)
Saturday 7 November General and Performance (7:30pm Federation Concert Hall)

YPA Broadcast schedule on ABC Classic FM
Thursday 29 October 8pm Recital Round Concert 1
Friday 30 October 8pm Recital Round Concert 2
Saturday 31 October 8pm Recital Round Concert 3
Monday 2 November 8pm Recital Round Concert 4
Thursday 5 November 8pm Chamber Music Round Concert 1
Friday 6 November 8pm Chamber Music Round Concert 2
Saturday 7 November 7:30pm Concerto Round (Grand Final) live broadcast

Prizes awarded at end of the competition:
$25,0000 ABC Symphony Australia Young Performer of the Year
$10,000 each Concerto Finalist (x2)
$6,000 People’s Choice
$6,000 Best Chamber Music Performance
$6,000 Best Recital
$6,000 Best Performance of an Australian Work
$6,000 Triffitt Prize

ABC Sir Charles Moses Trophy: This perpetual trophy is presented to the ABC Symphony Australia Young Performer of the Year by the ABC in honour of Sir Charles Moses, Managing Director of the ABC, 1935-1965.

MEDIA: For interviews & images please contact:
Trudy Johnston, 0402 485 902, trudy@vimandzest.com
Georgina Bible, 0431 452 609, vimandzest@gmail.com
 
ABOUT the 2015 ABC Symphony Australia Young Performers Awards
Symphony Australia is proud to collaborate with the ABC in presenting the ABC Symphony Australia Young Performers Awards. Throughout its 71 year history, the competition has been renowned for its ability to identify and nurture talented young Australian musicians.

In 2013 a new format for the competition was introduced, with the introduction of a chamber music round and the presentation of all finals rounds in a festival format. These finals include recital programs, chamber music and concertos with one of Australia’s state Symphony Orchestras, with numbers of contestants reducing as each round is performed.

The 2015 Young Performer of the Year will receive a cash prize of $25,000 and will perform their concerto with the TSO in the Grand Final as well as a CD recording and media training and opportunities. There is also a wide range of prizes, including prizes for Best Recital, Best Chamber Music Performance, Best Performance of an Australian work and the People’s Choice prize.

Recognising the variety of skills required by musicians in today’s multitude of performance opportunities, the competition has been broadened whilst still honouring the long history of the event.

Symphony Australia has also responded to audience demand to hear more from these fine young players, and to have the opportunity to cast their own vote on the outcomes.

The new format will allow concertgoers to attend seven public performances over the period of 10 days, and all public concerts will be broadcast on ABC Classic FM.

www.symphonyinternational.net
Trudy Johnston, Georgina Bible