The musician who claims the title of Young Performer of the Year will have proved themselves outstanding in all areas of musical performance, demonstrating high technical proficiency, an understanding of the repertoire and an appreciation of musical style.
They will be awarded $25,000 to assist with a programme of study and/or musical activity. Funds are distributed in a series of payments and the use of funds is subject to the approval of a suitable budget.
As the Young Performer of the Year, the winner also receives:
Throughout its history the YPA has been renowned for its ability to identify and nurture talented young Australian musicians.
In 2022 the following prizes and opportunities will be awarded:
Young Performer of the Year: $25,000
YMFA Award
A cash prize of $5,000 paid over two years ($2,500 per year) with the second payment to be made following a performance for the sponsor in Melbourne.
Sponsored by the Youth Music Foundation of Australia
ABC Classic Artist in Residence
The ABC Classic Artist-in-Residence will have the opportunity to record an album at the ABC, guided by the expertise of its specialist music production team. The album will be featured on ABC Classic FM, Australia’s only national classical network, and will be made available to audiences around the world through digital platforms.
The Young Performer of the Year also receives a limited edition sculpture by renowned sculptor, Drago Marin Cherina.
Other Prizes & Opportunities Offered and Awarded at the Finals of the 2021/22 ABC Young Performers Awards
Merenda Scholarship
$15,000 Scholarship to study or pursue musical training in Italy (must include an Italian language component). Funds are available as a draw-down facility and are subject to approval of a proposal with budget.
Allen-Evans Scholarship
A cash grant of $10,000 for a cellist to assist in a programme of study and career development.
Winner also receives The Allen-Evans, limited edition Drago Marin Cherina bronze sculpture.
Göttinger Symphony Orchestra Prize
A performance opportunity for a string player (including harp) to perform in a concert with the Göttinger Symphonieorchester in the 2023/24 seasons (September 22-June 23). Prize includes train travel within Germany; a hotel room for performance dates; and a modest fee.
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Prize
An opportunity for a professional engagement with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) in 2023/2024.
City Recital Hall Prize
A professional engagement to perform a solo recital (or other performance presentation as agreed by the recipient) at the City Recital Hall, Sydney.
Melbourne Recital Centre Prize
An opportunity for a Finalist or Semi Finalist to appear at the Recital Centre in 2022/2023.
Willoughby Symphony Orchestra Prize
A professional engagement for a Finalist with the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra in 2023.
Australian Music Foundation Prizes
Cash prizes intended to recognise the achievements of the recipients and to encourage them in their pursuit of musical excellence.
Max Olding Memorial Prize
Awarded to the most promising of the Semi Finalists. Donated by the Olding Family.
Max Olding was the Young Performer of the Year in 1952.
Triffitt Bequest
Cash grant of $2,500 for each of the runners-up to pursue further study and/or musical activity.
Kitty Fischer Audience Choice Prize
Cash grant of $2,500 awarded by audience vote.
DISCLAIMER
The recipients of any Scholarships and Prizes are reminded that the cash component is a form of income. Any enquiries regarding tax should be referred to the Deputy Commissioner of Taxation, an accountant or a registered tax consultant. Music & Opera Singers Trust Ltd (MOST®) act as co-ordinators of the above prizes and opportunities and cannot accept responsibility if any provider is unable to fulfill its obligations in any form. If the recipient of any Scholarship connected to funds elects not to proceed with that Scholarship, the associated funds must be forfeited and may be made available to another Finalist.
MOST® takes no responsibility for the acceptance of Scholarships that involve overseas travel. This decision is taken solely at the discretion of the recipient who should check the current status of the country in question with the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs at the time of travel.