Semifinalists Announced at Australia’s 2021 ABC Young Performers Awards

Currently in its 77th year, this accolade is one of Australia's most prestigious awards for young instrumentalists

The ABC Young Performers Awards announced six semifinalists:

• Double Bassist Jason Henery (20, Sydney)
• Pianist Tony Lee (29, New South Wales)
• Pianist Robbin Reza (26, Sydney)
• Flautist Eliza Shephard (27, Victoria)
• Cellist Benett Tsai (18, New South Wales)
• Violinist Edward Walton (15, Victoria)

Previous winners include Adele Anthony, Simon Tedeschi, Li-Wei Qin, Emily Sun and VC Artist Suyeon Kang.

The jury for round one comprised Adam Chalabi, Jeffrey Crellin, Alice Giles, Robert Johnson, Rebecca Lagos, Ian Munro, Karin Schaupp, Julian Smiles, Liam Viney, and Janet Webb, with Dene Olding serving as the Chair of the Adjudication Panel and Artistic Advisor.

The winner will claim the title of Young Performer of the Year, along with a grand prize of $25,000.

They will also receive the chance to record an album as ABC Classic FM Artist in Residence. Other prizes include scholarships, recital opportunities, and audience choice awards.

“Thank you to the many talented musicians throughout Australia and overseas who entered the YPA,” said Roland Gridiger, CEO of the competition.

“It is always inspiring to see the breadth of talent produced by this country and the passion they have for keeping classical music alive,” he added.

The semi-finals will take place on November 7 and the finals on November 21, 2021.