In 2011, the Dunedin Youth Orchestra proudly announced a new award for young composers. This is an annual award for an orchestral composition that is kindly supported by Dunedin composer Anthony Ritchie. The DYO is pleased to be able to support young composers in our community.
The aim of the Anthony Ritchie Composition Prize is to foster and encourage orchestral composition for Youth Orchestras by local composers of a similar age. Entrants should be currently resident in Otago or Southland. Winners receive financial compensation and their winning entry performed by the Dunedin Youth Orchestra.
The winner of the Anthony Ritchie Prize for 2024 was Clara Satherley with her piece, “Through the Mountain Way”. Congratulations Clara! Professor Anthony Ritchie announced the winner on RNZ Concert’s Three to Seven program with Bryan Crump. Listen again to the interview here.
Here’s what Clara, a University of Otago student and violinist for the DYO, had to say: “Through the Mountain Way follows the journey through a mountainous pathway. Though the travel is treacherous, it betrays unforgettable views of the landscapes below. I look forward to working with the DYO and am extremely grateful for this opportunity!”
Composition Prize Winner: Clara Satherley
Previous recipients include:
2023
- Grace Shaw – Southern Alps Overture
2022
- Georgie Palmer – A Grand Adventure
2021
- Cameron Monteath – Two Variants: Closer – Farther
2020
- Megan Kyte – L’aube du printemps (Dawn of spring)
2019
- Ihlara McIndoe – Creek’s Chorus
2018
- Isaac Shatford – The Thing
2017
- Nathaniel Otley – Canvas
2016
- Sam van Betuw – The Stone Mage and The Sea
2015
- Merlin Callister – A Run in Ross Creek
2014
- Sam van Betuw –The Soprano Sorceress
2013
- Bene Stewart – What If?
2012
- Alex Campbell-Hunt – Canada Suite
2011
- Corwin Newall – Hang In There
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