14 March 2011
APRA Professional Development Awards to Alex Pozniak and Timothy Stevens
Image: Alex Pozniak © Emily Sandrussi
Sydney-based composer Alex Pozniak has won one of eight APRA Professional Development Awards for Australian songwriters and composers. Pozniak, who is also known as the artistic director of the chronology arts organisation, receives his award in the Classical category of the PDAs. The Jazz award went to Melbourne-based Timothy Stevens, known as the leader of his own trio, featuring his original compositions as well as improvisation.
The other award-winning composers and songwriters are Caitlin Yeo (Film & Television); Rohin Jones, Catherine Kelleher and Zoe Randell (Popular Contemporary); Brendon Boney (Indigenous); and Harmony James (Country).
Each winner gets a $12,000 cash prize, an Apple BackBook Pro, studio time, digital distribution as well as other prizes depending on the prize category. In addition, two special prizes (worth $10,000 each) were given to Natalia Pa'apa'a (Jessica Michalik Contemporary Music Endowment) and Matthew Robinson (UTAS Stephen Schwartz Songwriting Award).
PDAs are awarded bi-annually to emerging songwriters and composers. In 2010, PDAs attracted more than 2,500 applications in all, an increase of more than 300% compared to the 2009 figures.
APRA CEO Brett Cottle said, 'This figure can of course be interpreted in a number of ways - not least that times are tough and opportunities increasingly limited for songwriters and composers. On the more positive side, the level of commitment to their craft from creative musical talent in this country has never been more in evidence.'
More details about the winners are available on the APRA website.
Further links
PDA winners announced
(www.apra-amcos.com.au)
Biographies of PDA winners
(www.apra-amcos.com.au)
© Australian Music Centre (2011) — Permission must be obtained from the AMC if you wish to reproduce this article either online or in print.
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The Australian Music Centre connects people around the world to Australian composers and sound artists. By facilitating the performance, awareness and appreciation of music by these creative artists, it aims to increase their profile and the sustainability of their art form. Established in 1974, the AMC is now the leading provider of information, resources, materials and products relating to Australian new music.
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