Who is eligible: VAM composition students
Application deadline: January 11, 2027
Competition dates: April 10, 2027 finalist reading session with VAM Symphony Orchestra
To apply: Apply online or download an application form.
Vancouver Academy of Music presents its sixth 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 $2,000 will be awarded to the First Prize winner toward 2027/28 VAM tuition.
Performance Dates
Finalists will be chosen for a reading session on April 10, 2027.
The top three compositions will be read by VAMSO during a rehearsal in Spring 2027, with the first prize piece to be performed during VAM Symphony Orchestra’s 2027/28 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
$75
Deadlines
Application deadline: January 11, 2027
Finalists notified: on or before February 12, 2027
Parts due to Orchestra Manager: March 13, 2027, 23:59pm
Apply online