Symphony Nova Scotia announced today that applications are now open for its Maria Anna Mozart Award, an annual $10,000 prize that sees the symphony commissioning and performing a new piece of music penned by a Canadian woman. The first award of its kind in the country, it’s been celebrating the work—and raising the profile—of women composers since 2016.
The 2022 recipient was Alice Ping Yee Ho, and her winning work will debut as part of an International Women’s Day broadcast in March 2023. Previous winners include Dr. Kelly-Marie Murphy and Stacey Brown.
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Symphony Nova Scotia announces winner of its 2022 Maria Anna Mozart Award for Canadian women composers
Historically, only a small percentage of symphonic music has been created by women—and this award is an attempt at greater gender parity: “The Maria Anna Mozart Award is intended to encourage women to write music for symphonic orchestras, and to acknowledge the contributions of outstanding women creators of music,” says award creator and funder Dr. Jane Gordon in a release.
Applications for the next round of the Maria Anna Mozart Award are open until November 1, and the winning work will debut in 2024. Full application information can be found on Symphony Nova Scotia’s website.
This article appears in Oct 1 – Nov 6, 2022.