ABC Classic Announces the 'Classic 100: Composer Countdown'

Who is your favourite composer?

The Classic 100, Australia's favourite classical music countdown, is asking Australia the big question in 2019, one sure to spark hours of debate among music lovers.

Is it a household name such as Bach, Beethoven and Mozart? Is it an Australian, who speaks to you of your homeland? Is it a contemporary composer? Did they only write opera? Were they prodigious pianists? Whoever it may be, this is your chance to tell the whole of the country about them.

'We're asking for people to champion their favourite composer - and that means we're going to be hearing about the composers close to people's hearts,' says ABC Classic Breakfast presenter Russell Torrance. 'Every day of the year, we hear from our listeners about the music that moves them and touches their lives, and this music is always from an astonishing array of composers. None of the results in this countdown are a given.'

The initial voting list of over 500 composers encompasses nine centuries, covering a vast array of styles and nationalities, and there are sure to be surprises amongst the top 100.

'Over the 18 years of the Classic 100 countdowns, 56 composers have had their music in the top 10,' adds ABC Classic Content Manager Toby Chadd. 'The scene is set for a fascinating and close contest this year, in the ultimate Battle of the Composers.'

This deluxe CD boxset will contain works by all of the top 100 (over 10 hours of music on 8CDs) - a definitive ranking of Australia's favourite composers!

Tune in to ABC Classic on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 June to count down the top 100 composers, in a weekend filled with great music, special guests, surprises and triumphs.

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