Limelight's Guide To Australian Composers

Limelight, in collaboration with Cameron Lam, curator of the monthly Australian Art Music playlist, invites readers to explore the music of Australian composers.

Planning is underway for the 2026 Guide to Australian Composers which will bring together one track from each composer, improviser or sound artist.

From Katy Abbott to Jonathan Zwartz, the A-Z guide offers a wide-ranging snapshot of Australian art music, from classical and jazz to sound art, improvisation and experimental works.

In 2026, Limelight are inviting Australian composers, improvisers or sound artists to put forward one work. Any Australian music creator at any stage of their career working in the field of art music (broadly: classical, jazz, improvised music, experimental music, sound art) is welcome to be involved.

To register your interest, please complete our short EOI Composer Form by 21 August to let us know you’d like to take part, and we’ll be in touch with full submission details when the formal call opens in late August.

Following a public vote between in October 2026, Australia’s favourite art music tracks will be published in Limelight‘s 2026 playlist as part of Australian Music Month in November.

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST HERE

More Information Here

TL;DR notes from TN:

• It takes like 30 seconds to register interest

• Nothing to lose

• Everything to gain

• Why this is good: increased visibility and opening the door to new audiences who perhaps haven’t heard you before = new fans, more bandcamp sales, more gig tickets sold. Basically zero downside here

• Forget the Tall Poppy nonsense - please put your hand up for this and be visible

• Please don’t think your music “isn’t the right fit” or “not art music enough” or “improvisation based music is not proper composition”- submit it anyway. The idea is to make more diverse & interesting music being introduced to more people.

• Even if one person is introduced to your awesome and incredible music it is worth it - it might be their favourite new sound, it might make them feel something, it might make them more curious or interested in seeking out more adventurous new music, it might lead onto another interesting place, it might just make their day just that little bit better. If any of this is true, then it’s worth it.