Young Composer Award 2027

About

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 of 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.

The award is hosted by the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra (WSO). The WSO gratefully acknowledges benefactor Mark Wakely for his generous support of the award in memory of Steven Alward.

2027 prizes and opportunities

The first prize recipient of the Young Composer Award receives:

• Cash prize of $5,000
• Premiere performance and live recording of the first prize composition with the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra on Sunday 16 May at 2 pm
• Workshop rehearsal of the first prize composition with the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra (scheduled for Saturday 15 May at 2:30 pm)

At the adjudication panel’s discretion, the Young Composer Award also offers:

• Highly Commended Award cash prize of $1,500
• Encouragement Award cash prize of $500 

Note: Highly Commended and Encouragement Awards do not include performance or recording opportunities.

All entrants can apply to participate in or observe, the ‘How To Write a Winner’ masterclass, free of charge, on Saturday 13 November with a panel of industry experts to discuss ways to improve future submissions.

• Up to 10 compositions will be selected for the one-day masterclass, and selected composers may apply to have their masterclass travel and accommodation subsidised by Willoughby City Council.
• Interested composers can apply to have their entry considered for the masterclass as part of the Young Composer Award application process.
• Further information relating to this masterclass will be provided to entrants in late May 2027.
• Please note: this masterclass does not include a reading with the orchestra.

Eligibility

To enter, applicants must be:

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

Key dates

• Award recipients announced: Monday 22 March 2027 9 am
• Submission of typeset score and parts for winning composition: Monday 5 April 2027 5 pm
• Workshop rehearsal of winning composition: Saturday 15 May 2027 2:30 pm
• Premiere performance and live recording of winning composition: Sunday 16 May 2027 2 pm
• ‘How To Write a Winner’ masterclass: Saturday 13 November 2027

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