Name the composer that you just can’t live without? That puts a pep in your step, or soothes a weary heart, or makes you wonder anew at the universe? A quick poll of the Limelight offices yields a range of replies, eventually culminating in admissions of defeat – it’s an impossible question, surely. But listeners across Australia have been asked to do just that, with composers the demonstrably fruitful theme of this year’s ABC Classic 100 countdown. The broadcaster has received a record-breaking 127,971 votes for more than 500 different composers since voting opened in April, making this Countdown one you won’t want to miss. ABC Classic presenters including Ed Ayres, Greta Bradman, Mairi Nicolson and Russell Torrance, plus a slew of special guests, will reveal the top 100 composers this weekend, culminating in a special celebration of the victor.

Hildegard of Bingen, composer and saint

“Every year with the Classic 100 we see people really wanting to share the music that’s really close to their hearts, and what’s always amazing about the countdowns is that you hear these stories from every corner of the country about the place that music has in...