Melbourne Recital Centre announces the 2021 Merlyn Myer Music Commission. Open to female Australian composers, the commission supports the development of a new musical work and includes a cash prize of $12,000.

Now in its fourth year, the biennial commission has been designed to provide significant creative freedom to the winning composer, foster their artistic development and provide an opportunity for their new work to be performed, heard and recorded in the outstanding performance space of the Centre’s Primrose Potter Salon.

Previous Merlyn Myer Music Commissions have been awarded to Sally Greenaway in 2015, Andrea Keller in 2017 and Deborah Cheetham AO in 2019.

Melbourne Recital Centre’s Director of Programming Marshall McGuire said:
‘As we emerge from this extraordinary year, it’s a joy to be able to announce this opportunity for artists. Artists and creativity are at the core of our activity here at the Centre, and the three previous commissions have been highlights of our annual season. Supporting a composer directly to create a new work for performers and audiences is always an exciting adventure, and we hope provides a platform for optimism, creativity, and a pathway to a bright future.’

Established in memory of Dame Merlyn Myer (1900-1982), and funded by The Aranday and The Yulgilbar Foundations, representatives Annabel and Rupert Myer added:

‘We should not be surprised that, in this oddest of times, we have turned so often to creativity, imagination and ideas to sustain us. This commission was created to ensure that female composers, often less well known, would be funded to create work that might be inspiring to composers, musicians and audiences alike. On behalf of The Aranday Foundation and The Yulgilbar Foundation, we are delighted that the process is now underway for the next Merlyn Myer Music Commission. It is a timely moment to devise, shape and create a new musical memory.’

Expressions of interest for the Merlyn Myer Music Commission 2021 are now open. All female Australian composers are encouraged to apply.

COMMISSION DETAILS

Merlyn Myer Music Commission 2021
Applications open: 30 September 2020
Applications close: 30 November 2020

Supported by The Aranday Foundation and The Yulgilbar Foundation.

For more information visit: melbournerecital.com.au

To start your application click here

INTERVIEW & MEDIA ENQUIRIES

Peter Ritchie
Marketing & Communications Manager
peter.ritchie@melbournerecital.com.au | Download media assets here