Aussie song competition offers $10,000 prizes

MEDIA RELEASE 2007
Singers are invited to take part in a new competition of Australian Christmas carols with prizes totalling $10,000.

The competition was launched today by internationally acclaimed composer and music educator Margaret Brandman in partnership with the Mitchell Conservatorium of Music, Leading Edge Music and the family of late Australian composer Hazel Hughes.

Dr Brandman said the competition was an exciting opportunity for singers to compete for the chance to perform their choice of Hazel Hughes’ four unique Australian Christmas carols at the Bathurst “Carols by Candlelight” 2007.

“Adult and under 18 vocalists, solo or ensemble, can compete for prizes by submitting their own recorded performances of the published arrangements or their own adaptations of the carols.

“The winning recordings will be included in a special Christmas CD to be produced and distributed by Stop and Rock/Leading Edge Music.

“The four carols, professionally arranged by Margaret Brandman, beautifully capture the spirit of Christmas in Australia.

An Australian Christmas Song, The Christmas Star, Christmas Bells Ringing and Stars in the Christmas Sky are a welcome addition to the Christmas repertoire.

“The music and cover design of the original songs are the work of late composer and graphic artist Hazel Hughes.

“This is the first time the works have been launched to the music community and we hope they will become recognised as iconic Australian carols for many years to come.”

The competition is open to all school and adult choirs in NSW. Please contact Mitchell Conservatorium of Music on 02 6331 6622 for entry forms or visit www.aussiecarols.com.au.

Entries close 2 November 2007 and the winners will be announced in November 2007.