The finalists for the 2019 Australian Women in Music Awards have been announced, with several classical or art music figures making the cut. Now in its second year, the Awards seek to highlight on the accomplishments of women across the Australian music industry.

Claire EdwardesClaire Edwardes. Photo © Jordan Adams

“As well as the opportunity to celebrate tremendous talent, AWMA provides a platform for artists and music practitioners including those in regional and remote areas, to come together, to learn and empower one another,” said AWMA Founding Director and Executive Producer, Vicki Gordon. “We received almost double the nominations this year, from every state and across all areas of diversity, reflecting the urgent need for change in the Australian music industry.”

Percussionist and Ensemble Offspring Artistic Director Claire Edwardes has been nominated for the Creative Leadership Award, alongside City Recital Hall Chief Executive Elaine Chia and singer/songwriter and recent Queensland Music Festival Artistic Director Katie Noonan.

Edwardes is also up for the Excellence in Classical Music Award, alongside The Metropolitan Orchestra’s Artistic Director and Chief Conductor Sarah-Grace Williams and pianist Caroline Almonte, while composers Lisa Cheney and Peggy Polias have been nominated for the Diversity...