Annual Brian Stacey Award for conductors – Entries Open

In October 1996, one of Australia’s most beloved Musical Directors – Brian Stacey – sadly passed away. His remarkable musical career spanned many genres and he consistently resisted efforts to be pigeon-holed into any one style.

With the firm belief that his experiences in one genre informed and improved his performances in another, it is fitting that the Brian Stacey Award was created by the Brian Stacey Memorial Trust to encourage emerging conductors to gain experience, in particular by crossing art-form barriers.

This year, thanks to a long standing partnership with Live Performance Australia and the Helpmann Awards, the 15th annual Brian Stacey Award recipient will be announced on 6 August at the Helpmann Nominations Media Launch, where they will receive an $8000 prize.

The winner will also appear as a presenter at the 2012 Helpmann Award Ceremony on Monday 24 September at the Sydney Opera House.

Entries are now open for the 2012 Brian Stacey Award.
Download entry form HERE.
Closing date for entries is Wednesday 13 June 2012. 

The award, which targets Australian emerging conductors of Music Theatre, Ballet, Opera, Classical and Choral music, has been won by many well known musical directors. Guy Noble, Vanessa Scammell and Kellie Dickerson are among those distinguished by the Trust over the last 15 years.

The 2012 winner will be chosen from entries submitted to the Musical Advisory Panel who will make their recommendations for Nominees/Winner and the Brian Stacey Memorial Trustees will then choose the winner.

Brian Stacey’s unique career was inspired by a small number of mentors, most notably Sir Charles Mackerras, through whose encouragement and sponsorship Brian gained his first foothold into international opera. Sir Charles was one of the Stacey Trust’s original Patrons who actively supported and showed continued interest in it’s endeavours until he passed away in 2010. Sir Cameron Mackintosh is now the sole partron of the Trust.