Since 1985 the Society has been involved in the commissioning and performance of a composition during its regular annual concerts.

The commission is currently known as the “Lyrebird Commission” and includes a grant of $1500 to the recipient. This is part funded with the generous support of the Robert Salzer Foundation. The commissioned work must be a new chamber work of approximately fifteen minutes in length for a combination of up to four musicians. The composition is usually premiered at the Society’s October concert. The grant is paid on presentation of a hard copy of the score to the Society. The Society also pays fees to the performers at the premiere.

Enquiries and submissions should be directed to the Secretary.

Submissions should include a résumé, an outline of the ideas, form and instrumentation for the proposed composition and a CD/DVD of examples of the composier’s works.

History of the Commission

The Commission for Composition dates as a separate award from 1996. Prior to that The Australian Natives’ Association, through the A.N.A. Friendly Society and later the Australian Unity Friendly Society, sponsored the writing of an original musical composition organised and presented by the Society. This arrangement was terminated in October 1994.

Recipients of the Lyrebird Commission

Recipients of the ANA Award