Perpetual, one of Australia’s largest managers and distributors of philanthropic funds with $2.9 billion in funds under advice as at 30 June 2019, announced Dr Anthony Pateras as the recipient of the 2020 Michael Kieran Harvey Scholarship, who will receive $60,000.

Perpetual is trustee for approximately 1,000 charitable trusts and endowments and provides individuals and families with advice on establishing charitable foundations and structured giving programs.

Established in 2006, the Michael Kieran Harvey Scholarship is awarded to Australian postgraduate musicians to help further their careers.

The scholarship is awarded to applicants who demonstrate technical mastery of the piano, display originality, imagination, creativity, and a desire to pursue piano and music in the 21st century. It was established by the will of the late Susan Mary Remington to celebrate the work and achievements of  Australian pianist and composer Michael Kieran Harvey.

Commenting on the 2020 winner, Michael Kieran Harvey said: “Dr Pateras is a perfect recipient of the Michael Kieran Harvey Scholarship, being a composer-pianist who outstandingly exemplifies the creative and imaginative musician with a vision for music in the 21st century.

“The range and amount of Anthony’s contribution to 21st century music is truly remarkable. He continuously pushes the boundaries of contemporary music as a performer, composer, collaborator and director, while fearlessly negotiating the nexus between improvised and notated music. He is indefatigable in his output of over 40 albums, and continuously innovative and imaginative in his approach to composition and performance. His music spans exploratory concert works, multi-channel electronic performance, instrumental improvisation, experimental rock and audio-visual collaboration,” Dr Harvey said.

“I am completely astonished to be selected,” said Dr Pateras. “I saw Michael perform for the first time at an Astra concert as an undergraduate and he has remained an inspiration ever since. Thus, it is a huge honour and I will pursue my creativity to the absolute limit during the scholarship’s tenure.”

Dr Pateras will pursue a series of innovative projects over the course of the two-year scholarship.

Congratulating Dr Pateras on his win, Perpetual’s Caitriona Fay, General Manager of Community & Social Investment, said: “Perpetual is proud to support the Michael Kieran Harvey Scholarship and talented musicians such as Anthony. Philanthropic investments within the arts are truly important and provide support to the ongoing development and enrichment of cultural talent in Australia.”