Winners
announced

NEW — MELBOURNE PRIZE FOR MUSIC 2019

$60,000

Supported by major patron The Vera Moore Foundation.

Awarded to an outstanding Victorian musician whose work demonstrates exceptional musicianship, skill and creativity.

Photography by Kristina Kingston

Deborah Cheetham AO – Composer, Soprano, Artistic Director

The life that music has afforded Deborah has brought her closer to understanding the world and her place within it. As a singer, composer or member of countless audiences Deborah has found that a truth conveyed by music is the most powerful force for enlightenment. Deborah set out to create opportunities for Indigenous singers and audiences to engage with the world of classical music. Just as important has been the chance to open the hearts and minds of non-Indigenous audiences. Through her works including Pecan Summer, Choral Connection Song Book and Eumeralla, a war requiem for peace, these goals have been achieved many times over.

Development Award 2019

$18,500

Consisting of $10,000 cash supported by Dr. Alastair Jackson AM, a $6,000 rrp. Yamaha Music Australia grant and a $2,500 Qantas airfare voucher.

Awarded to a Victorian musician demonstrating outstanding musical talent and the potential to develop their professional career.

Mojo Juju – Vocalist, Songwriter, Musician

When Mojo Ruiz de Luzuriaga, known professionally as Mojo Juju, dropped her album Native Tongue in 2018, it was an unforgettable statement. Where her previous output had steered away from being overtly intimate and raw, Native Tongue burst out like a diary on record, a deep exploration of Mojo Juju’s Indigenous and Filipino identity and how this has shaped her. Mojo Juju has bagged some of her greatest achievements to date off the back of Native Tongue including collecting over 20 award nominations, including three at the ARIAs.