Since 2014, classical guitarist Matt Withers’ Australian Music Composition Competition has steady grown in scope, creating opportunities for emerging composers and new Australian repertoire. After opening applications in December last year, the winners of the 2022 competition have been announced, with Sydney-based composer and guitarist Richard Charlton taking out the top prize.

Australian Music Composition Competition 2022 winner Richard Charlton. Photo Supplied.

The applicants were asked to respond to Threads of Australia by Queensland-based visual artist Sue Needham, who has contributed inspiration material for the competition in prior years. Applicants for the 2022 composition were asked to submit two examples of previous compositions and a written response to the work by Needham. The winning composer will workshop a new work for guitar duo, to be premiered by Withers and fellow guitarist Callum Henshaw, and the work will also be professionally recorded.

“What a fantastic opportunity. I am extremely grateful to Matt and Callum and look forward to creating a uniquely Australian work for them to play. Threads of Australia has such a...