Chamber Music Adelaide Launches New Young Artist Award

Chamber Music Adelaide (CMA) last night launched a new initiative to support emerging South Australian classical artists.

The Chamber Music Adelaide Young Artist Award will provide development and professional performance opportunities for early career classical instrumentalists and vocalists, supported by generous South Australian philanthropists.

In launching the award Sam Duluk, Member for Waite, who was representing the Premier Steven Marshall said, "Supporting performing artists to develop their skills and offering them the opportunity to establish and build networks is critical in the development of their careers. It is experiences like this that assist artists to build a strong foundation and respond to professional opportunities whether locally, nationally or internationally".

CMA Chair, Cheryl Pickering highlighted CMA's desire to encourage the next generation of classical performers through the Award. Ms Pickering said, "It's not easy for early career artists to secure professional performances opportunities as part of their development. CMA's seven core ensembles cover a wide range of classical music styles, from baroque to 21st century art music with multimedia. So, between them, they can offer a range of excellent opportunities".

Guests enjoyed performances by harpist Cianah Harris and soprano Bethany Hill, who accompanied herself on a bodhrán (an Irish frame drum). After her performance Bethany described how similar awards had provided critical connections and performance opportunities for her.

Chamber Music Adelaide has become best known for On the Terrace, its free annual event in collaboration with the Art Gallery of SA, SA Museum, the State Library of SA and the Migration Museum. On the Terrace won an innovation award in 2016 and has fast become an established part of Adelaide's chamber music calendar.

The CMA Young Artist Award is open to South Australian residents in the field of classical music performance, for instrumentalists between 21-30 years of age or vocalists between 21-35 years of age. A cash prize of $3,000 will be awarded and two or more professional performance opportunities will be offered to the winner in 2019.

More information, guidelines and the Application Form are available for download from CMA Young Artist Award.