Inaugural Utas Stephen Schwartz Songwriting Award Presented To: Louise Anton

New York, NY (Top40 Charts/ APRA|AMCOS) - Songwriter Louise Anton has been awarded the inaugural UTAS STEPHEN SCHWARTZ SONGWRITING AWARD. Musical theatre composer Stephen Schwartz and University of Tasmania Professor Kevin Purcell were on hand to present Louise with her award at Song Summit, APRA|AMCOS's biannual conference for songwriters and composers.

"This is such an honour and it's my very first songwriting award. Thanks to the University of Tasmania for providing this award and to Stephen Schwartz; I am really honoured to be the inaugural recipient. Thank you to Harry Vanda, a wonderful producer, mentor, friend, everyone at Flashpoint music. And finally, thank you to APRA who have always supported me," said Louise.

Louise was recognised for her outstanding songwriting for the work "Here I Am". The album was produced by legendary songwriter and producer, Harry Vanda. Said Professor Kevin Purcell: "one of the most impressive things about the album was the absolutely amazing production by Harry Vanda; a brilliant songwriter in his own right."

This new prestigious Award valued at $10,000 is offered to advance the career of an emerging individual songwriter or song writing team. From 2011, the Award - presented by the University of Tasmania and APRA . will form part of the biannual APRA Professional Development Awards (PDAs). Applications for the 2011 PDAs open later this year.