Melbourne Recital Centre Calls for Local Composers to Write Tribute to City for MELBOURNE'S MUSIC BANK

Bank of Melbourne and Melbourne Recital Centre are inspiring local composers and songwriters to write the ultimate tribute to their city. Whether it's a concerto for the city or a song about the suburbs, the quest is to build Melbourne's Music Bank, a collection of compositions celebrating the world's most liveable city.

Bank of Melbourne and Melbourne Recital Centre are giving local songwriters and composers the opportunity to have their music produced, recorded and performed at Melbourne Recital Centre, and featured in Bank of Melbourne advertising and marketing. There's also a $6,000 grant up for grabs to support the winner's professional development.

Entries into this unique competition will form Melbourne's Music Bank, a curated collection of music inspired by our city, for our city.

"Melbourne's songwriters and composers have the opportunity to show why this city is known as the cultural capital," said Bank of Melbourne Chief Executive Scott Tanner.

"Melbourne has provided inspiration for some great songwriters such as, David Bridie, Claire Bowditch, Mark Seymour, Deborah Cheetham, Deborah Conway and Archie Roach, and now we want to encourage more composers and songwriters to be inspired," Mr Tanner said.

Selected compositions will be uploaded to Bank of Melbourne's Facebook page, where the public will be able to vote on their favourite. The top three compositions will be performed at the Melbourne Recital Centre, where an expert panel will judge the winner. The winner will receive a $6,000 grant and have their work professionally recorded by Melbourne Recital Centre.

Melbourne Recital Centre Chief Executive Officer Mary Vallentine said the prospect of showcasing talented Victorian composers was very exciting.

"It is very much in our mission to foster the development of Victorian musicians," Ms Vallentine said.

"Melbourne's Music Bank aims to provide exposure for many of Melbourne's musicians, and nurture their professional development. As Melbourne's Best Place to Hear and the natural home for music of all styles, Melbourne Recital Centre is excited to be celebrating Melbourne's vibrant cultural life in such a unique way."

Entries can consist of up to six lines of original music (up to six instruments) and should be a minimum of three and maximum of eight minutes long. Music from any genre is welcomed.

There are no restrictions on songwriters or composers - they just have to live or study in Victoria. Entries must be received by 28 June 2013.

"We are looking forward to hearing everything from operatic arias, to pop, rock, folk and jazz. The Music Bank will be a great addition to Melbourne's musical heritage," said Mr Tanner.

More information and entry terms and conditions can be found at bankofmelbourne.com.au/musicbank.

Australia - Melbourne Awards - Live Stats

Best Musical - Top 3

1. BEETLEJUICE THE MUSICAL (Regent Theatre, Melbourne)

54.6% of votes

2. TWELFTH NIGHT (St Kilda Botanical Gardens)

18.3% of votes

3. MJ THE MUSICAL (Her Majesty's Theatre)

16.2% of votes

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