The Competition 2000/01

The Performing Australian Music Competition was launched in Australia Week (3-9 July 2000) in London and had its Grand Final on Federation Day, 9 May 2001. It was the first occasion when Australian compositions formed the basis of an international performance competition. Entrants chose repertoire spanning 150 years of Australian music.

Australia Week in London commemorated the Centenary of the passing of the Australian Constitution through the British parliament. As well as promoting Australia's political, trade and investment links with the UK, Australia Week featured a programme of cultural activities and also included a service in Westminster Abbey in the presence of HM The Queen and the Prime Minister of Australia for Australian citizens in this country.

The Performing Australian Music Competition was launched as part of the Australia Week programme by the Hon. Peter McGauran MP, Australian Minister for the Arts, at a special occasion at Australia House on Wednesday 5 July 2000. The photographs below show some of those who attended the competition launch.

David Ritchie, Deputy High Commissioner with the Hon. Peter McGauran

Penelope Thwaites, Heather de Haes and the Hon. Peter McGauran