What's the music that makes you feel good?
That's the question that ABC Classic is asking through May to find out Australia's favourite feel-good classical music.
Voting opened in the annual Classic 100 poll on May 6.
The Classic 100: Feel Good celebrates the music that gets you dancing, makes you smile, inspires and uplifts.
This year's proposition is simple, "asking listeners to vote with their hearts," says ABC Classic Manager Kat McGuffie.
"Together we're out to create the ultimate feel-good collection that we can all go to when we want to feel on top of the world."
We've probably all felt it at some stage, and science backs it up. "Music promotes the release of neurochemicals that literally make us feel good," says ABC Classic presenter and registered psychologist Greta Bradman.
The Classic 100 is an annual poll asking for ABC audiences to vote for their favourite classical music in a particular theme.
Once voting closes, the top 100 pieces as chosen by the public are counted down across two days in June celebrating Australia's picks.
This year the countdown will take place on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 June on ABC Classic and the ABC listen app.
The event has been running for more than two decades and has covered themes including symphonies, voice, and music for the screen. In 2023, the cello was voted Australia's favourite in the Classic 100: Instrument.
"The feeling of being buoyed is just so delicious, and I personally can't get enough of that!" shares Classic Breakfast presenter Megan Burslem in anticipation of this year's theme.
"I'm constantly surprised at how such a range of musical sounds, from the sublime to the raucous, can lift us."
For the second year running, the Classic 100 will also be brought to life in a special highlights concert by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Principal Conductor in Residence and the concert's Creative Director, Benjamin Northey, at Hamer Hall.
Voting opened at 8am AEST on Monday May 6 and audiences have until 1pm AEST on Monday June 3 to submit their votes via the ABC Classic website.
Audiences can scroll through a voting list of feel-good classical music selected by ABC Classic in consultation with audiences. The list is sorted by title, composer and categories like "Heard on Screen" and "Piano".
For those not sure where to start, Burslem's top tip is to put some time aside and look through the voting list where you can listen to the music.
"I think you'll be surprised by how much music you know and love."
Voters can vote for up to ten pieces of music, including music that fits the theme that isn't on the list.
- Voting opens Monday May 6, 8am AEST
- Voting closes Monday June 3, 1pm AEST
- Listen to the top 100 on Saturday June 8 and Sunday June 9
Classic 100: Feel Good voters have the chance to win tickets to see the Classic 100 in Concert in Melbourne on June 20. The prize includes two tickets to the concert as well as travel and accommodation.
During voting submission, audiences can share their favourite feel good piece and why it's their favourite in 25 words or less to enter the competition.
- Competition opens: 8am AEST, Monday May 6
- Competition closes: 1pm AEST, Monday June 3
- Announcement of winner: 8am AEST, Monday June 10
Voting in the Classic 100: Feel Good is open until 1pm AEST, Monday June 3.
