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.
Key Dates
ABC Symphony Australia Young Performers Awards
Stage III - Section finals
KEYBOARD
Friday 13 June, 7.30pm Conservatorium Theatre, Brisbane
The Queensland Orchestra conducted by Pietari Inkinen
Maxwell Foster (Qld) playing Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No.1 was the winner!
STRINGS
Thursday 19 June, 7pm Adelaide Town Hall
Adelaide Symphony Orchestra conducted by Vladimir Verbitsky
Rebecca Chan (Vic) playing Korngold's Violin Concerto was the winner!
OTHER INSTRUMENTS
Thursday 26 June, 7.30pm Federation Concert Hall, Hobart
Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra conducted by Marc Taddei
Jessica Foot (Vic) playing Strauss' Oboe Concerto was the winner!
Stage IV - Grand Final
Friday 19 September 2008, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra conducted by Arvo Volmer Hamer Hall, 8:00pm
Free tickets now available. See the MSO's website for further details.