Melbourne’s music community celebrated significant achievements today with the announcement of the winners of the **Melbourne Prize for Music 2025**. This prestigious award, recognized as one of Australia’s most valuable in the music sector, honors artists for their contributions to the cultural landscape of the nation.
Acclaimed singer-songwriter **Shane Howard AM** received the **$60,000 Melbourne Prize for Music 2025** for his extensive body of work and his influence on Australian music. The award is supported by the **Vera Moore Foundation** and **The Tallis Foundation**, underscoring the importance of community backing for the arts.
Runner-up finalists included **Deborah Conway AM**, a notable singer and songwriter, **Nicolette Fraillon AM**, a respected conductor, and **Emma Donovan**, a talented singer-songwriter. Each finalist in the Melbourne Prize for Music 2025 is awarded **$1,000**, funded by Fed Square, recognizing their artistic contributions.
In a celebration of emerging talent, **Vanessa Perica**, a composer and conductor, won the **$20,000 Beleura John Tallis Award for Emerging Composers 2025**. This award is designed to support the career development of promising Victorian composers and is also backed by The Tallis Foundation, in memory of **John Tallis** (1911-1996).
The **$10,000 Professional Development Award 2025** went to cellist **Charlotte Miles**, aimed at supporting Victorian musicians with funding for projects, travel, or other career-enhancing opportunities. Additionally, **Deborah Conway AM** received the **$2,000 Civic Choice Award 2025**, given to the finalist who garnered the highest number of public votes.
Judging Panel and Community Impact
The judging panel for this year’s awards featured notable figures from the Australian music industry, including **Missy Higgins**, a singer-songwriter and former recipient of the Melbourne Prize, conductor **Benjamin Northey**, and musician and arts advocate **Genevieve Lacey**. Their insights highlighted the profound commitment and creativity present in the applications received.
In their collective statement, the judges expressed admiration for the depth of talent showcased: “Selecting recipients for prizes was no easy task, as there were many deserving submissions. We celebrate the incredible community of musicians and creative artists in Victoria. These awards reflect the remarkable ecosystem of music in the region, fostered by decades of investment in music education and public engagement.”
A **Finalist Exhibit** for the 2025 prize has been on display at Fed Square since **October 30**, featuring the work of all finalists. The Melbourne Prize Trust acknowledges the **Kulin Nation**, the traditional custodians of the land on which it operates, and pays respect to their elders, past, present, and future.
Support and Acknowledgments
**Simon Warrender**, Founder and Executive Director of the Melbourne Prize Trust, noted the record number of entrants this year, thanking all participants and emphasizing the importance of community support: “This year has been made possible by the generosity of all our partners and patrons. Our music community is vibrant and deserving of recognition.”
Minister for Creative Industries **Colin Brooks** reaffirmed Melbourne’s status as Australia’s cultural capital, stating, “We are proud to support the Melbourne Prize for Music & Awards, honouring Victorian musicians who have made an extraordinary contribution to our music culture.”
Melbourne’s Lord Mayor **Nicholas Reece** congratulated the finalists and winners, celebrating the music community’s role in the cultural fabric of the city. He acknowledged the judges for their challenging task, recognizing the talent evident in this year’s awards.
The Melbourne Prize for Music continues to be a beacon of artistic excellence, encouraging musicians at all stages of their careers to pursue their passion and contribute to the rich musical heritage of Victoria and beyond.
