Sunshine Coast musician receives Queensland Luminary Award at the 2025 Art Music Awards
L - R Christa Powell, Therese Milanovic & Louise King. Photo credit, Deborah Dorman.
Celebrated Sunshine Coast cellist, educator, festival director, and arts leader Louise King has received national recognition this week, with her chamber ensemble Muses Trio awarded the 2025 State Luminary Award for Queensland at the prestigious Art Music Awards, presented by APRA AMCOS and the Australian Music Centre.
This award celebrates outstanding contributions to Australia’s music culture and recognises Muse's bold vision to celebrate music composed by women, performed by women.
“This is an award for everyone who has been part of this journey. From a tiny hall in Eudlo to a national stage, this shows what’s possible when regional arts leaders, community and creativity come together,” Ms King said.
The win marks a significant milestone in Louise’s artistic journey and the evolution of Muses Inc from a one-off creative project at Eudlo Hall to a nationally recognised arts organisation.
Over the past decade, Muses has grown from a local small hall concert initiative into a high-impact national organisation and charity. Its activities include new music commissions, regional and nationwide tours, immersive workshops, education programs, and thought-provoking performances that amplify women’s voices in classical and art music.
In 2013, Louise launched her Dreaming BIG concert series with a powerful sold out International Women’s Day concert at the historic Eudlo Hall, performing with Muses Trio. That inaugural performance struck a chord with audiences and artists alike, planting the seeds for a growing national movement spotlighting female-identifying composers and performers. This award also reflects the collective efforts of many artist collaborators, composers, supporters, volunteers, donors, and audiences, all who have supported Muses vision since day one.
“We’re deeply honoured to receive this award. It celebrates the strength and unique contribution of women in music, and the power of collaboration,” said Ms Milanovic, pianist and principal artist.
“This award energises us to keep creating, discovering, and championing new music. We’re so grateful to be part of such a vibrant creative ecosystem.”
The 2025 Art Music Awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 21 August at City Recital Hall, Sydney, hosted by broadcaster Vanessa Hughes, musician and storyteller Nardi Simpson, and composer Hamed Sadeghi. The event celebrates achievements across 15 categories in contemporary classical, experimental, jazz, and improvised music.