Entries invited for SOUNZ Contemporary Award

The SOUNZ Contemporary Award is the most prestigious annual award for ‘contemporary classical’ music in New Zealand. First presented in 1998, the award seeks to recognise compositional excellence and inspiration in the works of Kiwi composers in the previous year.

It is a collaborative project of the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) and SOUNZ. New Zealand composers who are also APRA members may submit up to two works which have been premiered in public between 1 July 2009 and 30 June 2010. There is no restriction on duration and the works can be for solo, chamber, ensemble, choral, orchestral, electro-acoustic or any combination of these.

The entry deadline is Monday 14 June, 2010 and an entry form can be downloaded here.

The award, consisting of a trophy designed and made by Auckland sculptor Sarah Smuts Kennedy and $3000 cash prize, is presented each year at the APRA Silver Scroll awards ceremony. This year that event will be held in Auckland on Wednesday 8 September.

More information, including a list of past finalists and winners, can be found here.