Midsumma Presents: The Homophonic! Pride Prize!
Composition Competition for LGBTIQ+ identified Australian Composers.
Launched in 2019 with the support of Andrew Boyle, the Homophonic! Pride Prize is a unique opportunity for LGBTIQ+ Australian Composers to work with amazing soloists to create a new work to be performed at Homophonic! as part of the Midsumma Festival.
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2026's award is to write for double bassist Miranda Hill. Artistic Director and Founder of Homophonic!. Miranda is known for her energetic and exploratory musical prowess, and expertise from the renaissance to free jazz improv. Winner of the APRA/AMCOS "Victorian Luminary" award in 2023, finalist in the Melbourne Awards and the Globe awards for services to the LGBTIQ+ and arts communities, and a sought after performer, curator, and director of musical and cross art performances and experiences.
The winner of the award in 2026 will have their new work premiered at Theatre Works in St Kilda as part of the Midsumma Festival
Generously supported by the Midsumma Festival, the winning composer is awarded $2500, and guaranteed performance and live video of performance.
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Miranda Hill. Photo by Darren Gill.
"As the Artistic Director of Homophonic!, I've had the great joy and privilege of celebrating the amazing depth of creativity and humanity in the LGBTIQ+ composers and musicians that have walked the Homophonic! stage; and I'm very excited to be able to work directly with a composer to create a new work to add to this ever growing queer musical library.
The theme of 2026's Homophonic! is "Celebrating Resistance", which, in this political climate, speaks for itself. I'm hoping this new work will add an unexpected and profound layer to the conversation. Resistance comes through passion, humour, celebration, and pride. What does celebrating resistance mean to you?
My musical interests are vast, from the renaissance to free jazz, with a hefty stop over in minimalism, but my true passion lies in music that has purpose, a mission, and something to say. I can't wait to hear your voice. "
Miranda Hill
To apply
All Australian composers who identify as LGBTIQ+ are encouraged to apply.
There are no age limits, career stages, or entry fees.
The work: 7-10 minutes for double bass, one performer.
For: Double bass. Options for modern with low D extension, gut strings standard tuning, and modern, classical, or baroque bows. Electronics or fixed media; performative elements; speaking/singing and playing; movement; visual multi-media or tradiational solo.
The prize:
$2500 and performance at Homophonic! February 2026
3 workshopping sessions with Miranda Hill (in person or online)
Tickets to the premiere, (no flights or accomodation can be provided)
Live video and audio from the performance.
Dates:
Applications open: July
Applications close: August
Completed work delivered: December 8th (Negotiable)
Performance: February, 2026. Theatre Works, St Kilda.
Panel:
Artistic Director, Soloist: Miranda Hill
Artistic Director: Consort of Melbourne. Steven Hodgson
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2020
Star PIcc*
Solo piccolo, bass drum, and vocoder.
Written by Stephen de Filippo
Performed by Laila Engle.
2021
Depth Disintegration
Double Belled Bass Trombone and fixed media.
Written by Shoeb Ahmad
Performed by Benjamin Anderson
Winner of ElectroAcoustic Work of the Year at the 2022 APRA AMCOS Art Music Awards.
2022
Dream State;
Solo violin.
Written by Jaslyn Robertson
Performed by Kyla Matsuura-Miller
2023
Invs Belmn
Solo Oboe and fixed Media
Written by James Rushford
Performed by Ben Opie.
2024
To Echoes and Lines
Soprano and wearable midi controller
Written by Sophie Rose
Performed by Judith Dodsworth
2025
Mesophilic
Piano and electronics
Written by Ashleigh Hazel
Performed by Jacob Abela