The Limelight Artists of the Year for 2021
After a hiatus in 2020, we once again asked our reviewers and readers to vote for the Australian and International Artists of the Year. We are thrilled to announce our 2021 winners.

Critics' Choice
William Barton
Australian Artist of the Year

Runners-Up

In 2021, not only did William Barton receive the Australia Council's Don Banks Music Award, but also saw the premiere of several works that feel as if they point towards an important new direction for his creative practice.
Critics' Choice
Igor Levit
International Artist of the Year

Runners-Up

The Russian-born German pianist is an artist who paints on a broad canvas; one whose place in the world informs his art; and one who is unafraid to speak his mind, whether on music or on politics.
People's Choice
Melbourne Digital Concert Hall
Australian Artist of the Year

Runners-Up

Melbourne Digital Concert Hall proved a lifesaver during the pandemic, raising money for artists and keeping audiences connected with the music they loved. It shows how deep the connections they established that they have been voted the Peoples' Choice in our 2021 awards.
People's Choice
VOCES8
International Artist of the Year

Runners-Up

In response to the pandemic, VOCES8 reinvented themselves as stage managers, camera technicians and, crucially, impresarios, they produced a highly successful series of online events watched by hundreds of thousands of people worldwide.
Nominees
2021
Past winners
2019
Deborah Cheetham
Australian Artist of the Year
Alondra de la Parra
Australian Artist of the Year – People’s Choice
Víkingur Ólafsson
International Artist of the Year
Jessye Norman
International Artist of the Year – People’s Choice




2018
Simone Young
Australian Artist of the Year
Benjamin Northey
Australian Artist of the Year – People’s Choice
Jordi Savall
International Artist of the Year
Anne-Sophie Mutter
International Artist of the Year – People’s Choice




2017
2016
2015
Greta Bradman
Australian Artist of the Year
Sir Simon Rattle
International Artist of the Year

