The Australian music industry’s leading awards evening celebrates it’s 40th anniversary showcasing Australian talent spanning classical, jazz and contemporary music.

The ARIA Awards ceremony will take place on 18 November 18, 2026 at the Hordern Pavilion in Sydney.

In the Best Classical Album category are Jayson Gillham (for Chopin Etudes), Australian Chamber Orchestra under Richard Tognetti (Beethoven & Brahms Concertos for Violin and Orchestra), Sydney Symphony Orchestra under Simone Young (Mahler: Symphony No. 3), Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra with pianist Tamara-Anna Cislowska under Johannes Fritzsch (Elena Kats-Chernin: Ancient Letters), and William Barton and Omega Ensemble for Gift – Our Breath of Life.

Jayson Gillham. Photo © Rémi Chauvin

The nominees for Best Jazz Album are Donny Benét (Il Basso), composer-guitarist Hilary Geddes (Redleaf), pianist-composer Lauren Tsamouras and trumpeter Tom Avgenicos (For Judy), Ten Part Invention (Time is Moved), and The Vampires (Skydancer), highlighting a wide range of talented artists.

Hilary Geddes. Photo supplied

Best Original Soundtrack or Musical Theatre Cast Album nominees include Ack Kinmonth (for The Pout Pout Fish – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), Amanda Brown (Deadloch Season 1), Brian Cachia (Beast – Original Motion Picture Score), Caitlin Yeo (Every Little Thing –...