Honours Student Miffy Wang Wins Ossa Music Prize

Media release – University of Tasmania, 2 August 2025

Pianist Miffy Wang awarded Ossa Music Prize

Classical pianist Miffy Wang has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Ossa Music Prize with a program highlighting the works of Tasmanian composers.

Honours student Wang will receive a cash prize of $5,000 and financial support of $8000 to fund a tour of regional Tasmania.

“It’s a huge milestone in my life where I am incredibly grateful to be recognised as a musician, and I’m really excited to be touring across Tasmania with this really heartfelt program by Tasmanian composers,” she said.

Wang’s performance in the concert final at the University of Tasmania’s Conservatorium of Music included works by Tasmanians Don Kay and Maria Grenfell. It also included original paintings by art student Audrey Carter commissioned for the project.

“It feels really special to be taking a Tasmanian composer program across the state,” Wang said.

“It’s also a wonderful opportunity for me to collaborate with Audrey because it brings a refreshing idea to the concert format and allows us to bring a multi-sensory experience to the audience.”

On an evening of high-quality student performances at the Hedberg, Miss Wang took the prize over classical duo Reuben and Zachary Allen, and singer/songwriter Christian Palencia.

Judging panel chair and Lecturer in Contemporary Music Dr Damien Kingston said Miss Wang’s high level of musicianship, interpretation and the concept for her project had been impressive.

“All of the applicants were really strong and it’s just great to see some really strong performers being able to present in a professional environment in a beautiful bespoke space,” he said.

“Competitions are always a pretty high-stakes environment, so to be able to share your musicianship, share your craft with an audience and navigate that experience is super valuable for young performers.”

The judging panel also included music producer Toby Frost and artistic director of the lutruwita Art Orchestra and Clarence Jazz Festival Stevie McEntee.

Wang began studying piano at the age of seven and since 2017 with senior lecturer in keyboard at the University, Shan Deng.

She completed her Bachelor of Music in 2024, has won awards including a first prize at the Hobart Eisteddfod and was a member of the Tasmanian Youth Orchestra.

The Ossa Prize is named after Tasmania’s highest mountain peak and was established in 2018 by University alumnus Dr Rod Roberts and Mrs Cecile Roberts to help students pursue excellence in musicianship.

The tour will include a performance in Queenstown in memory of Margaret Stoermer, thanks to support provided by her family.

It will also include performances in the North, North West and East Coast, with dates to be announced in the coming weeks.

Image courtesy UTAS, photographer Peter W Allen

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