Each year, Limelight asks its nationwide team of critics – who have seen and reviewed hundreds of performances – to nominate the composers, singers, musicians, conductors, directors and ensembles who they believe made the biggest impression in classical music and opera.

In 2024, we extended the nomination process to include Limelight subscribers for the first time, resulting in a broader cross-section of nominees.

From their feedback, we create a shortlist of 40 artists and ensembles – 20 from Australia and 20 from overseas – and ask both our critics and readers to vote for the artists who excited and entertained them the most.

For our 2024 awards, we decided to extend the voting period right up until the end of the year – which is why the names of the winners are being announced a little later than usual.

We have also introduced a new award, presented in partnership...