Paul Lowin Prize 2004
2004 Winners
The 2004 Paul Lowin Prize ceremony was held at Government House, Sydney on 3 November 2004. The following prizes were awarded and highly commended works announced:
Paul Lowin Orchestral Prize ($25,000)
Liza Lim for Ecstatic Architecture
Ecstatic Architecture was commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic in celebration of the inaugural season of the Walt Disney Concert Hall. The judges described the work as 'fascinating and masterly constructed... an expressive and personal statement that constantly delights and amazes'.
Judge's comments
'The judging panel thought piece outstanding in every respect – a highly accomplished work from a mature and considered composer - completely assured from the first note, a sustained and powerful lyrical statement that takes you on a journey and never lets you go. Ecstatic Architecture is a beautifully presented, fascinating and masterly constructed score, looking, as its name suggests, at the very notion of architecture - an expressive and personal statement that constantly delights and amazes, commands respect and admiration.'
Paul Lowin Song Cycle Prize ($15,000)
Andrew Ford for Learning to Howl
Learning to Howl is a 35-minute work for voice, saxophone, clarinet, harp and percussion. Originally written for soprano Jane Edwards, it uses texts by women writers ranging from Emily Dickinson to Queen Elizabeth 1.This same piece also earned Andrew Ford the Award for Best Composition at the APRA-Australian Music Centre Classical Music Awards earlier this year.
Judge's comments
'This work for voice and small ensemble gained unanimous vote... The piece is beautifully laid out, utterly intelligent and musical. It represents vocal writing at its very best - in its use of an ingeniously assembled text, in its integration within the small instrumental ensemble, and in its psychological reach. The word-setting is masterful, the orchestration wonderfully well handled. With its clearly expressed musical lines and fascinating juxtaposition of lyrics, Learning to Howl is entirely satisfying for performer and listener.'
2004 Highly Commended
Paul Lowin Orchestral Prize ($25,000)
Gerry Brophy for Concerto in Blue (guitar and orchestra)
'... expertly written for an instrument that requires sensitivity and a great deal of orchestral insight. The work has a truly magical opening, and sustains its mood throughout in subtly rewarding colours.'
Awards History
2019 Paul Lowin Prizes
Katy Abbott and Nigel Westlake were announced as winners of the 2019 Paul Lowin Prizes at the Melbourne Recital Centre on 22 October 2019.
2016 Paul Lowin Prizes
The winners of 2016 Paul Lowin Prizes were announced on 6 December 2016 at APRA AMCOS building in Sydney.
2013 Paul Lowin Prizes
The winners of 2013 Paul Lowin Prizes were announced on 28 October 2013 at APRA headquarters in Sydney.
2009 Paul Lowin Prizes
The winners of the 2009 Paul Lowin Prizes were announced on 30 October 2009 at the Utzon Room, Sydney Opera House.
2006 Paul Lowin Prizes
The winners of the 2006 Paul Lowin Prizes were announced on October 5 at a special ceremony at The Mint, Sydney.
2004 Paul Lowin Prizes
The 2004 Paul Lowin Prize ceremony was held at Government House, Sydney on 3 November 2004.
2001 Paul Lowin Prizes
The 2001 Paul Lowin Prize ceremony, hosted by Radio National’s Alan Saunders, was held at Customs house, Sydney on 22 October 2001.
1999 Paul Lowin Prizes
The winners of the 1999 Paul Lowin Prizes were announced at the Australian Music Centre Awards, at the Sydney Opera House, on 20 September 1999.