The finalists for the 2024 APRA Professional Development Awards (PDAs) have been announced today, showcasing a broad range of songwriting and composing talent in categories including popular contemporary music, electronic music, screen composition, classical and experimental forms and jazz/improvised music.

Cheryl Durongpisitkul, Andrew Saragossi and Emma Greenhill. Photos supplied

Held annually, the PDAs provide support for emerging songwriters and composers and a cash take-home of $10,000, the winners of which will be announced on Thursday 15 February. The shortlisted artists include MadeBy composer Emma Greenhill, saxophonist Andrew Saragossi and saxophonist/composer Cheryl Durongpisitkul.

This year’s finalists for the 2024 APRA PDAs in the Classical/Experimental category are Fiona Hill, Grace Ferguson, Mark Holdsworth, Rebecca Bracewell and Victoria Pham.

The winner of the Screen Music category will be decided from nominees Adrian Leung, Emma Greenhill, Harrison Wood, Michael Allen and Sean Tinnion.

The Music Theatre category nominees are Alec Steedman, Erin McKellar, Jennifer Trijo, Jude Perl and comedy duo Mel & Sam.

The Jazz/Improvised category nominees are Andrew Saragossi, Cheryl Durongpisitkul, Sage Harlow, Freedman Jazz fellowship winner Tom Avgenicos and Vanessa Perica.