This weekend, ABC Classic will unveil the nation’s favourite composer, as it broadcasts the ultimate classical countdown.
More than 127,000 votes have been cast for 525 different composers with classical favourites such as Mozart and Vivaldi vying for top spot, with dark horses including popular film composer John Williams and Australian Elena Kats-Chernin.
The entire countdown will be broadcast simultaneously across every Australian time zone, with ABC Classic presenters including Ed Ayres, Greta Bradman, Mairi Nicolson and Russell Torrance and special guests including a range of living composers and Australia’s leading conductor Benjamin Northey.
Content Manager of ABC Classic, Toby Chadd, says, “We’ve seen thousands of Australians casting votes and engaging in passionate debate about their favourite composers. So many people have voted as a way of championing the composers they love, and also showing their love and gratitude for the music that has made such a difference to their lives — and over the last few weeks we’ve heard thousands of stories that have been poignant, hilarious and life-affirming. Clear your diary for 8 and 9 June: this is going to be an incredible celebration of the music we all love.”
Information from the tally room ahead of the countdown indicates:
- Eight composers will make their Classic 100 debuts this year
- 7 of the top 100 were born in the 1840s — making it the most popular decade
- There are 18 living composers in the top 100
- Pisces is the most popular star sign, with 14 composers; Leo is the least, with 3
- Over half of the top 100 have surnames beginning with B, P, R or S
