Allan Zavod Performers’ Award

The Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music and Performance is pleased to continue the Allan Zavod Performers’ Award in 2023 for composer-performers whose work incorporates improvisation. Composer-performers working in any musical genre(s)are invited to apply. A cash prize of $5000 and runner-up prizes totalling $5000 will be awarded to musicians who demonstrate excellence in composition, performance and improvisation.

Entry and judging criteria

This prestigious award is open to all Monash University undergraduate, Honours and Postgraduate students who have been resident in Australia for a minimum of two years at the closing date.    

Applicants may present solo works or perform with up to four (4) additional artists. The original composition must be performed by the composer. The maximum performance time is 15 mins.    

Up to four (4) finalists will be selected to perform their submitted composition as part of the Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music and Performance Lunchtime Concert Series, on Thursday 3 August 2023. The winner and runner(s)-up will be announced at the end of the event. The judging panel will consist of Dr Iran Sanadzadeh, Dr Paul Williamson and Zac Zavod. The decision of the judges is final, and the panel reserves the right not to award the prize(s).

Submission requirements

Applicants are invited to submit:

  1. Score of the original work (.pdf)
  2. List of any relevant technical or electronic requirements
  3. Audio realisation of the submitted work
  4. A short program note describing the work
  5. Supporting links (eg. artist website, YouTube, examples of past work)

Submission deadline

Applications are due Friday, 7 July 2023.  Finalists will be notified by Friday, 14 July 2023.

Support

The Allan Zavod Performers’ Award was created by Dr Allan Zavod and is generously supported by Mr Noel O’Brien and Mr Brendan O’Brien. We would also like to thank Christine Zavod for her ongoing support and generosity in the provision of this prestigious award.

Application

Applications are now open.  Access the application form via this link.

If you have questions about this award, please contact Dr Iran Sanadzadeh: iran.sanadzadeh@monash.edu