History
Liwei
In 1944 an annual, state-based competition for young performers was organised by the Australian Broadcasting Commission. Over the years it grew into the ABC Concerto and Vocal Competition, producing such names as Max Olding (piano, 1952), Charmian Gadd (violin, 1962), Roger Woodward (piano, 1964) and Nathan Waks (cello, 1968).
In 1968 the competition became the Instrumental and Vocal competition and by 1978 a format comprising four categories (String, Vocal, Keyboard and Other Instrumental) was born. This was followed by the addition of an 'outstanding competitor' in 1981 with winners including Ian Munro (piano, 1982) and Duncan Gifford (piano, 1989).
In 1987 the title of the competition again changed, this time to the ABC Young Performers Awards. Many winners have become well known soloists and orchestral players such as Diana Doherty (oboe, 1985) and Li Wei (cello, 1993).
In 1997 the Concerts Division of the ABC devolved to become Symphony Australia. The competition was known as the Symphony Australia Young Performers Awards until 2006.
Since 2007, the ABC has again been a partner in the ABC Symphony Australia Young Performers Awards which continue to offer wonderful opportunities to talented young Australians.
2010 ABC Symphony Australia Young Performers Awards
Applications for the 2010 ABC Symphony Australia Young Performers Awards have now closed.
We wish all applicants the best of luck!