Conductor Nicolette Fraillon has been awarded the 2023 Bernard Heinze Memorial Prize.

Presented as a medallion after a performance of The Australian Ballet’s Identity at Arts Centre Melbourne, the Prize celebrates an Australian who has made an exceptional mark on the musical landscape.

Nicolette Fraillon. Photo © Kate Longley

“Nicolette Fraillon’s musical journey is a testament to her unparalleled dedication, artistry, and unwavering pursuit of excellence. Her transformative interpretations, technical precision, and commitment to education have left an indelible impact on the classical music community,” the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music’s Ormond Chair of Music, Gary McPherson. 

“As she continues to inspire audiences and shape the future of the art form, Nicolette Fraillon’s legacy as a visionary conductor and mentor will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.”

Fraillon served as the Music Director and Chief Conductor for The Australian Ballet from 2003–2022, noted for the revival of TAB’s commissioning of new works, including those from Australian composers. Artistic Director David Hallberg noted she was “the only female Music Director of a major ballet company in...