Melbourne Recital Centre has officially opened applications for the prestigious Merlyn Myer Music Commission, honouring the memory of Dame Merlyn Myer (1900-1982).
This initiative, now in its sixth iteration, offers one female composer in Australia a remarkable opportunity for artistic growth and recognition.
The 2025 Merlyn Myer Music Commission provides a $12,000 cash prize, with Melbourne Recital Centre covering all performance and documentation costs. The chosen composer will have the chance to create up to 30 minutes of music in any genre, to be performed by the renowned Syzygy Ensemble at the Primrose Potter Salon in November 2025. This highly sought-after opportunity is open to all female composers across Australia, fostering diversity and fresh perspectives in the country’s music scene. The application deadline is Monday, 2 December 2024, at 12 noon AEST.
Past winners:
- 2023: Brenda Gifford
- 2021: Nat Bartsch
- 2019: Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO
- 2017: Andrea Keller
- 2015: Sally Greenaway
Keep up with the latest music news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Annabel and Rupert Myer reflected on the commission’s evolution, stating, “After five completed Merlyn Myer Commissions, there is now a strong pattern that has emerged. It has become self-evident that the Commission seeks and encourages the development of a musical composition that will stretch the composer’s imagination and musicality, challenge talented performers and delight and extend audiences.”
In addition to offering significant creative freedom, the initiative supports the composer’s development with a performance, recording, and publication on Melbourne Recital Centre’s YouTube channel. It also encourages student engagement through rehearsal attendance or workshops.
Applications, including a 200-word biography, project statement, recent work links, and optional project details, can be submitted here.
