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.
​
2025's award is to write for pianist, keyboardist and composer Jacob Abela. No stranger to the Homophonic! stage, and is renowned for navigating the complex demands of contemporary compositions, performing in the orchestra pits of mainstage musicals, and collaborating with theatre makers and opera companies. Described as performing “like electricity…as if possessed by a musical demon” (Theatre People), Jacob's artistry reflects a fearless pursuit of musical exploration and emotional depth.
The winner of the award in 2025 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.
Jacob Abela. Photo by Skye Sobejko
"I am thrilled and honoured to be part of this amazing program with Homophonic!, an organisation that represents a vital community of people who work at the nexus of new music and queer identity.
In my solo practice, I like to take the aspects of classical piano that society and conservatoria have upheld and (dis)respectfully reconsider their value. International piano competitions with their Herculean demands, the hyper-masculine pursuit of mastering pieces that are labelled "the hardest ever written", Liszt- and Ligeti- and Xenakis-core.
I devour the abstract - energy, magic, colour - and revel in banality. Peculiar autobiographies or gestures towards the infinite. Silliness and play, friendship or ego-death, the lived experience of pets and robots.
I can't wait to see who you are, what makes you tick, and what you want to create."
Jacob Abela
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 keyboard/s, one performer.
For: Any combination of: Grand piano, MIDI Keyboard (88 keys with aftertouch), Arturia Minifreak, Ondomo.
Preference for works including electronic elements.
The prize:
$2500 and performance at Homophonic! February 2025
3 workshopping sessions with Jacob Abela (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: September 2nd
Applications close: September 29th
Completed work delivered: January 6th (Negotiable)
Performance: 7-8th February, 2024. Theatre Works, St Kilda.
Panel:
Artistic Director: Miranda Hill
Soloist: Jacob Abela
Percussionist: Niki Johnson
Composer: Solomon Frank
​
​
​
​
​
​
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