Resonate Magazine | Australian Music Centre

Image: Richard Watts (left), Claire Edwardes and Barrie Kosky  

Sydney-based Ensemble Offspring has won the $90K Sidney Myer Performing Arts Group Award. Other winners this time around include the Berlin-based director Barrie Kosky, known for his remarkable and daring interpretations of both new and older operatic works, for the Individual Award ($60K); and editor, presenter and steadfast supporter of the arts, Richard Watts (Victoria) for the Facilitator's Prize ($25K). The announcement was made in Melbourne earlier this month.

'We are thrilled, honoured and humbled to receive the Sidney Myer Performing Arts Group Award for 2020. Being our 25th year in the industry, it feels like a perfect celebration of all our musical achievements so far', said Claire Edwardes, Artistic Director of Ensemble Offspring.

The Sidney Myer Performing Arts Awards are announced and presented early each year for the preceding year. The Awards are decided on a national basis and each nomination is considered by a Judging Committee. While past achievement is recognised, consideration is also given to the potential of an individual or group to continue their contribution to Australian society through the performing arts into the future. Nominations for the Awards are generally open in September and October each year.

For the purpose of the Awards, the performing arts include all aspects of creation and performance across all forms of drama, comedy, dance, music, opera, circus and puppetry. They do not include visual arts, crafts, film, electronic media or literature.