Young Composers’ Competition

Who is eligible: VAM composition students

Application deadline: January 12, 2025

Competition dates: April 5, 2025 finalist reading session with VAM Symphony Orchestra

To apply: Apply online or download an application form.

Vancouver Academy of Music presents its fifth Young Composers’ Competition, providing a platform for students to experience the art of composition with the ultimate prize of having their work performed at the Orpheum Theatre by the VAM Symphony Orchestra.

Awards
A scholarship award of $2000 will be awarded to the first prize winner.

Performance Dates
Finalists will be chosen for a reading session on April 5, 2025.
The top three compositions will be read by VAMSO during a rehearsal in Spring 2025, with the first prize piece to be performed during VAM Symphony Orchestra’s 2025/26 season.

Eligibility
VAM’s Young Composers’ Competition is open to any student who is studying composition at VAM. Scores submitted must have the composer’s identifying information removed. Eligible works are five minutes or shorter in duration and follow the following orchestration guidelines*:
2 Flutes, 2 Clarinets, 2 Oboes, 2 Bassoons, 4 French Horns, 2 Trumpets, 3 Trombones, Timpani, 1 Percussion, 1 Harp, 1 Piano, Strings
*Works must be orchestrated for, at minimum, a complete string orchestra. All other instruments are optional.
*Works with a soloist are not eligible

Non-refundable Application Fee
$60

Deadlines
Application deadline: January 12, 2025
Finalists notified: on or before February 3
Parts due to Orchestra Manager: March 11, 23:59pm

Apply online