Interesting points around what can be categorised as classical music.

I took the data as a given from ABC Classic FM, and as you mentioned it's voted on by listeners in Australia so that might affect what shows up. I'm listening to the 2026 countdown right now, and it does seem like there's a broader range of less traditional pieces appearing this year.

Partly this might be because ABC Classic has expanded into a broader range of genres (e.g. There's a whole program dedicated to video game music) to increase their accessibility to a wider audience.

I personally don't mind this, as there are many pieces from screen music that I love and that I think hold up as great orchestral music (Lord of the Rings has wonderful music).

I also love some of the newer music they play - e.g. I strongly suspect Joseph Tawardros will be highly ranked this year, as they have been (rightfully) playing his pieces a lot over the last few years.

I'm not the biggest fan of video game music though, unless it's in the original context.

Would love it if some Latin American composers made it in this year! Will have to wait and see...

Sorry if my comment above sounds pedantic.

I actually listened to some of the works I didn't know (Elgar, Vaughn Williams, Kats-Chernin) and loved them, thank you.