The 2020 Freedman Classical Fellowship finalists have been announced with violinists Grace Clifford and Harry Ward, and cellists James Morley and Richard Narroway competing for the $21,000 cash prize.

Grace Clifford

The finalists would normally compete for the prestigious award – which boasts a starry list of past winners including violist Stefanie Farrands, clarinettist Aviva Endean, pianist Tamara-Anna Cislowska, didgeridoo player William Barton and recorder player Genevieve Lacey – in a deciding concert at the Sydney Opera House. This year, however, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the performances will take place without an audience, the young musicians competing in front of a panel of judges. The date and venue are yet to be confirmed.

“We are grateful for the commitment and vision of Kathy and Laurence Freedman of the Freedman Foundation who have not skipped a beat in backing Australia’s creative artists in this extraordinary year,” said Dr Richard Letts, Director of The Music Trust, manager of the Fellowships.

Harry Ward

This year’s judging panel includes Director of the Canberra International Music Festival Roland Peelman, percussionist and Artistic Director of Ensemble...