Well-known Australian pianist Mr Ian Munro has been named the latest winner of the Jean Bogan Prize for Piano Composition.
The winning composition will be featured at a concert held by the Conservatorium on Friday 20 May at 6pm.
The winning three piece suite entitled Letter to a Friend will be played by a guest performer, Sydney Conservatorium senior lecturer Daniel Herscovitch.
The $8,000 prize has been funded by a generous bequest of $100,000, which was left to the University of Newcastle in 2002 by Mr Laurence Charles Bogan.
Mr Bogan’s bequest is an extension of his original donation in 1989, when he created the prize as a memorial to his late wife Jean’s love for piano. The prize recognises an original and outstanding solo composition by an Australian composer.
Mr Munro says he is honoured to receive the prize and has dedicated his composition to all of his friends.
“Letter to a Friend is the result of an ongoing interest in the poetry of Judith Wright, whose work captures the beauty and spirit of the Australian country,” Mr Munro said.
The inaugural Jean Bogan Youth Prize is also being presented at the concert. This prize aims to encourage piano composers less than 25 years of age.
The Youth Prize, which is worth $1,500, has been awarded to Chris Williams for his composition Two Episodes.
The University of Newcastle’s Head of Drama, Fine Art and Music, Professor Richard Vella, said the prizes are a wonderful encouragement for emerging Australian musicians.
As well as the winning compositions, the concert will feature the highly commended piece, Mark Isaac’s Miniatures & Variations, which will be performed by Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s principal keyboardist, Josephine Allan.
Tickets to the concert can be bought at the door. The concert starts at 6pm with drinks being served in the foyer from 5pm.
Anyone interested in making a donation to the Conservatorium can contact the UON Foundation on (02) 49217 453 or visit the website at www.newcastle.edu.au/foundation.
About the UON Foundation:
The UON Foundation is the platform for philanthropic support for the University of Newcastle. Donations help fund student scholarships, academic positions and research. The Foundation also aims to create and sustain relationships between the community, business, alumni and the University.
Media contact: Tanya Carlyle, UON Foundation Marketing & Communication Coordinator,
(02) 4985 4178 or 0407 276 061.
