Established in memory of Dame Merlyn Myer (1900-1982), the initiative was founded to support one female composer in Australia.

‘After five completed Merlyn Myer Commissions, there is now a strong pattern that has emerged. It has become self-evident that the Commission seeks and encourages the development of a musical composition that will stretch the composer’s imagination and musicality, challenge talented performers and delight and extend audiences. It is deeply rewarding for us to observe how this process evolves.’ – Annabel and Rupert Myer

Previous winners of the Merlyn Myer Music Commission include Sally Greenaway in 2015, Andrea Keller in 2017, Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO in 2019, Nat Bartsch in 2021, and Brenda Gifford in 2023 (pictured).

In 2025 the Merlyn Myer Music Commission will enable an Australian female composer to create a new musical work. The commission provides significant creative freedom to a composer, foster her artistic development and provide an opportunity for her new work to be performed, heard, and recorded in an outstanding performance setting at Melbourne Recital Centre. The commission component of this project is $12,000 cash and Melbourne Recital Centre will cover all costs associated with the presentation and documentation of the performance.

The selected composer will be invited to write music of any genre, up to 30 minutes in length. The work will be performed Syzygy Ensemble, comprised of piano, violin, cello, flute, clarinet. The premiere performance will take place in the Primrose Potter Salon on a date in November 2025 to be mutually agreed by the composer, performers and venue. A recording of the performance will be made and will be published on the Centre’s YouTube channel.

The composer is to use the commission to pay herself for her composition and to make scores, while Melbourne Recital Centre will cover the costs for the performers including rehearsals and performance. Travel costs will be provided for the composer if applicable, opening the commission up to female composers living and working anywhere in Australia. It’s expected that the composer and performers will support student engagement through students’ attendance at a rehearsal or a workshop session during the period of the project.

This commission opportunity is open to all Australian female composers. The winning composer will be selected by a panel including representatives of Melbourne Recital Centre, the Myer family, and industry experts. Expressions of interest are sought from eligible applicants by Monday 2 December at 12 noon AEST.

Key Dates

Applications open: Thursday 26 September 2024
Applications close: Monday 2 December 2024
Candidates notified of application outcome: January 2025
Development, composition, rehearsal period: February to November 2025
Premiere performance in the Primrose Potter Salon: November 2025

Expressions of interest are now closed.

Please direct any questions to programming@melbournerecital.com.au

The Merlyn Myer Music Commission is generously supported by The Aranday Foundation.