The Awards have a reputation for launching international careers.

Hosted by ABC Classic FM and the Music & Opera Singers Trust (MOST), the Awards have provided aspiring young musicians the opportunity to perform with Australia’s major orchestras for more than 70 years. Since their inception they have been a launchpad onto the international stage for acclaimed international musicians such as Roger Woodward, Simon Tedeschi, Claire Edwards, Amy Dickson and Tamara-Anna Cislowska.

The 2018 awards offer cash awards, performance opportunities and the chance to become ABC Classic FM’s inaugural Artist in Residence.

Entrants are invited to upload video entries to youngperformersawards.org before March 6th, 2018, when a judging panel, led by Dene Olding AM, will select 12 semi-finalists.

Digital video entry, included in the awards for the first time, will enable musicians from all around Australia to participate, and will allow Australian musicians studying overseas to enter the awards.

Semi-finalists will perform in public concerts at Sydney’s City Recital Hall on July 16-17th. Three finalists will then go on to perform at the Sydney Opera House with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra on July 24th, with all concerts broadcast by ABC Classic FM.

“The ABC Young Performers Awards play a crucial role in developing and supporting the careers of the next generation of Australia’s finest musical talent,” said Richard Buckham, ABC Classic FM’s Content Manager. “We are pleased that we can once more bring this competition to a national audience.”

“These Awards have a unique ability to shine a light on the classical performers of tomorrow,” added Roland Gridiger, Chairman of MOST. “We know that opening the competition to digital entry will enable young performers from all over Australia to enter and we look forward to the range and quality of entries.”