The biennial Australian Music Composition Competition has opened applications for its 2022 iteration. Established in 2014, the competition is the brainchild of Australian classical guitarist Matt Withers, and aims to create opportunities for new Australian music, especially new guitar repertoire.

Matt Withers and Callum Henshaw. Photo © Peter Hislop

Entrants are asked to submit two samples of previous compositions as a demonstration of their style, as well as a written response to the painting Threads of Australia by Australian artist Sue Needham, which serves as the inspiration for this year’s competition. The winning entrant will receive a cash prize of $3,000 and will workshop a new piece for classical guitar duo which will be premiered by Withers and fellow Australian guitarist Callum Henshaw and professionally recorded. The runner up will receive a $1,000 cash prize. There is also a $1,000 prize for the U30 Emerging Composer Prize provided by Henshaw. Limelight caught up with Matt Withers to learn more about this year’s competition.

What kinds of qualities are you looking for in the applications for the competitions?