Melbourne Prize For Music 2025 Winners Revealed

The winners of the Melbourne Prize for Music 2025 & Awards were unveiled last night (13 November), with numerous artists taking home prestigious awards.

Winning the $60,000 Melbourne Prize for Music this year is Goanna singer, acclaimed songwriter Shane Howard, for his body of work and contributions to the local music scene, as well as Australia’s cultural identity.

Runner-up finalists included singer and guitarist Deborah Conway AM, conductor Nicolette Fraillon AM, and singer-songwriter Emma Donovan. All finalists have been given $1,000 each, with support from Fed Square.

That isn’t where Conway’s award journey ended last night, however, winning the $2,000 Civic Choice Award, which was awarded to the finalist in the Melbourne Prize for Music with the highest number of public votes.

Other winners included composer, arranger, and conductor Vanessa Perica, who took home the $20,000 Beleura John Tallis Award for Emerging Composers, and cellist Charlotte Miles, who won the $10,000 Professional Development Award.

In addition to those winners, singer-songwriter Isobel Caldwell and synthesist and composer Carolyn Schofield jointly won the Falls Creek Musicians’ Residencies, receiving two 14-day residencies in Victoria’s High Country, plus $1,000 each. 

The winners for the Melbourne Prize for Music & Awards are decided by a dedicated panel of judges. This year’s judging panel includes acclaimed musicians, such as former Melbourne Prize for Music recipient Missy Higgins, conductor Benjamin Northey and musician and arts advocate Genevieve Lacey.

“The applications for the Melbourne Prize for Music 2025 form a collection of profound commitment, expression, and contribution to music in Australia,” the judges commented in a statement. “From those who have given a lifetime to their art form, through to those just beginning their journey in music, one thing is obvious, that Victoria is enriched by an absolutely incredible community of musicians and creative artists.”

The statement continued, “It was a deeply moving experience to read all of the applications. Selecting recipients for prizes was no easy task, as there were many deserving submissions. We would like to congratulate all artists who have expressed interest in the annual Melbourne Prize this year. Your work is seen, valued and deeply appreciated.

“These awards are a testament to the remarkable ecosystem of music in Victoria, thanks to the many personal and public investments in music education, access and participation, over decades.

“Let’s individually and collectively continue to prioritise, participate in and support music. And to all those musicians who applied, please continue with your music, continue to express your creativity, and continue to change the world through music.”

Melbourne Prize Trust Founder and Executive Director, Simon Warrender, added, “We have had a record number of entrants this year, and I want to thank all entrants and finalists and congratulate the category recipients. This year has been made possible by the generosity of all our partners and patrons – thank you one and all.”

Victoria’s Minister for Creative Industries, Colin Brooks, said, “Melbourne is the cultural capital of the nation, and 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 Lord Mayor, Nicholas Reece, concluded, “The City of Melbourne congratulates the finalists and winners of this year’s Melbourne Prize for Music.

“Tonight, in the music capital of Australia, we celebrate the music community and its contribution to the cultural fabric of our great city. I would also like to acknowledge the judges - what an amazing and difficult job it must have been!”