Young Composer Award

Overview

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 2026, the Young Composer Award celebrates its 22nd 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.

2026 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 27 September at 2 pm

• Workshop rehearsal of the first prize composition with the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra (scheduled for Saturday 26 September at 2:30 pm)

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

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

• Encouragement Award cash prize amount of $500

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’ workshop, free of charge, on Saturday 5 September 2026 with a panel of industry experts to discuss ways to improve future submissions. Up to 10 compositions will be selected for the one-day workshop, and selected composers may apply to have their workshop travel subsidised by Willoughby City Council. Interested composers can apply to have their entry considered for the workshop as part of the Young Composer Award application process. Further information relating to this workshop will be provided to entrants in late July 2026. Please note: this workshop does not include a reading with the Orchestra.

Eligibility

To enter, applicants must be:

• Born on or after 1 January 1991

• An Australian citizen

• An Australian resident for tax purposes

Entries close Monday 22 June 2026, 9 am