Six Australian composers have been shortlisted for the prestigious 2022 Paul Lowin Orchestral and Song Cycle Prizes. The finalists were chosen from close to 100 nominations submitted by industry professionals and the general public, representing the best of Australian composition since the competition’s previous iteration in 2019.

Finalists in the 2022 Paul Lowin Prizes, clockwise from top left: Anne Cawrse, Paul Dean, Matthew Hindon, Brett Dean, Elliott Gyger and Cameron Lam.

For the $15,000 Song Cycle Prize, recognising excellence in Australian compositions for voices and chamber ensemble, finalists include Elliott Gyger for Autobiochemistry for mezzo-soprano and cello; 2016 Paul Lowin prize-winner Brett Dean, for Madame ma bonne sœur for mezzo-soprano and string quartet, premiered by Dean’s daughter Lotte Betts-Dean and the Armida Quartet; and Cameron Lam for The Splendour of Lying Naked in the Sun for soprano, mezzo-soprano, countertenor, tenor, baritone and bass, premiered earlier this year by the Divisi Chamber Singers.

“I’m deeply honoured to be shortlisted for the Paul Lowin Prizes, an award I’ve followed for a long time and has featured composers and works I’ve long admired,” said Lam.

“Song cycles are a format I...