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The University of Western Australia is delighted that the Perth International Arts Festival has received six prestigious Helpmann Award nominations for artists and performers at the 2011 Festival.

Three nominations are for Yirra Yaakin's Waltzing the Wilarra, which packed out the Subiaco Arts Centre for three weeks during its world premiere at the Festival. Wesley Enoch was nominated as best director of a play, David Milroy for best original score and Ursula Yovich for best female actor in a play.

Yovich also received a nomination for best cabaret performer for her show Magpie Blues, which played at Beck's Music Box.

Ben Walsh was nominated for best musical direction for the Perth Festival and Sydney Festival co-commission My Bicycle Loves You.

The Perth Festival also received a nomination for best symphony orchestra concert for the Academy of Ancient Music's The Creation , an Australian exclusive.

Perth Festival Artistic Director Jonathan Holloway congratulated all the nominees.

"Having enjoyed so much of Shelagh Magadza's final program as artistic director, I'm delighted at the recognition given to these Australian and international artists at the top of their game," he said.

The Helpmann Awards will be announced on 1 August, 2011 at the Sydney Opera House.

Media references

Rania Ghandour (Perth International Arts Festival) (+61 8) 6488 8618 / (+61 4) 03 025535

Janine MacDonald (UWA Public Affairs) (+61 8) 6488 5563 / (+61 4) 32 637 71