Melbourne Symphony Orchestra has announced that Melissa Douglas will be its Cybec Young Composer in Residence for 2023, becoming the first female composer to be awarded the residency.

Melissa Douglas. Photo supplied

The partnership between the MSO and Cybec Foundation began in 2003 when the Cybec 21st Century Australian Composers Program was introduced, with next year marking its 20th anniversary.

The Cybec Young Composers Residency offers emerging composers the invaluable opportunity to compose symphonic music with access to a full, world-class orchestra, and immerse themselves in the life of an orchestra. The program is open to Australian citizens and permanent residents aged 35 and under. Each year, one of the composers who participates in the program is selected for a 12-month residency with the MSO the following year. Douglas was chosen from the finalists of the 2022 Cybec 21st Century Australian Composers program, which also included Angus Davison, Natalie Nicolas and John Rotar.

Accepting the residency, Douglas said: “I’m thrilled to receive this prestigious opportunity with the MSO – and to be able to work with these incredible musicians over the course of three new commissions. The MSO and The Cybec...