The ABC Young Performers Awards have been a catalyst for numerous Australian musicians' careers since 1944. This prestigious competition has launched the careers of some of Australia's most successful musicians, including composer and violist Brett Dean, pianist Simon Tedeschi, percussionist Claire Edwardes, and violinist Emily Sun. In 2026, the Young Performers Awards will return to ABC Classic. To understand the impact of this competition, we spoke to past winners about their preparation, journey through the rounds, and the opportunities the awards unlocked. Claire Edwardes, a renowned percussionist, entered the competition in 1999 while awaiting her postgraduate degree in the Netherlands. Despite the fact that being a percussionist wasn't a common career choice for aspiring musicians at the time, she prepared meticulously. She even sought advice from American percussionist Christopher Lamb, who premiered the music in 1995. Her efforts paid off, as she won against strong contenders, including pianist Andrea Lam and violinist Alexandra Osborne, who are now highly successful musicians. The competition opened doors for Edwardes, leading to seven years of soloist performances with Australia's symphony orchestras. Emily Sun, an internationally acclaimed violinist, also found her career boosted by the competition. She became known to audiences through the 2011 documentary 'Mrs Carey's Concert' and went on to win the competition in 2018. The win provided her with the confidence and opportunities to perform across Australia in various settings. As part of her prize, Sun became ABC Classic's Artist in Residence, recording an album and appearing on air and digital platforms. Her success continued beyond the competition, as she became a custodian of The Adelaide, a rare 250-year-old Italian violin. Lloyd Van't Hoff, a clarinettist who won the competition in 2015, highlighted the importance of making connections with other musicians. His biggest takeaway was the camaraderie and the doors that opened for him through collaborations with established ensembles. Flautist Eliza Shephard, the most recent winner in 2022, is carving a path to become one of Australia's most exciting performers. She has also ventured into education, improvisation, and recording. The competition's impact extended beyond the awards, as Shephard used her winnings to commission new music from Australian female composers, aiming to increase the representation of female composers and flute players. The ABC Young Performers Awards continue to be a launchpad for young Australian musicians, offering a unique opportunity to showcase their talent and build their careers.
