Young Composer Award 2027

If you'd like us to contact you when applications open for the 2027 Young Composer Award, express your interest now.

The Young Composer Award (YCA) is an annual national competition established to provide young Australian composers with the unique opportunity to compose for a symphony orchestra. The YCA provides the award recipient with both a concert performance and live recording of the successful composition by the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra.

In 2027, the Young Composer Award celebrates its 23rd year in providing an industry pathway for emerging orchestral composers. The award provides invaluable experience and relationships toward refining original orchestral works alongside a respected conductor and accomplished orchestra.

Hosted by Willoughby Symphony Orchestra, the WSO gratefully acknowledges benefactor Mark Wakely for his generous support of the award in memory of Steven Alward.

Applications for the 2027 Young Composer Award will open in October. Full submission guidelines and conditions of entry will be available once applications open. Applicants may find the information below helpful in beginning to draft submissions.

To enter, applicants must be:

• born on or after 1 January 1992
• an Australian citizen
• an Australian resident for tax purposes.

Orchestration:

• 2 flute
• 2 oboe (1 English horn doubling – optional)
• 2 clarinet
• 2 bassoon
• 4 French horn
• 2 trumpet
• 3 trombone
• tuba
• timpani
• 1 percussion
• harp
• strings.

Note: Entrants are not required to use all instruments listed though compositions cannot exceed the listed orchestration. 

Duration: maximum 10 minutes 

Entries closed Monday 22 February 2027, 9 am. 

Enquiries regarding submission or conditions of entry can be made via email wso@willoughby.nsw.gov.au.