Brett Weymark OAM with Sydney Philharmonia commissioned composers, James Henry, Nardi Simpson, Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO

Sydney Philharmonia Choirs’ Emerging Composer Awards

The Sydney Philharmonia Choirs’ Emerging Composer Awards has been created to give two emerging composers each year the opportunity to write a piece to be performed by one of Sydney Philharmonia’s ensembles. These composers will be paid a commission fee for their work, will be mentored by SPC’s very experienced Music Staff, will be able to workshop their ideas with Sydney Philharmonia singers and most importantly, will have their works performed in one of the most iconic performance venues in the world, the Sydney Opera House.

COMMISSION

Duration             5 minutes
Scoring               SATB Chorus and baroque orchestra (voice parts can be divisi, but no solos)
Text                     TBC
Award                 $2,000
Extras                 Reasonable travel and accommodation costs
Performance     13 December 2025, Sydney Opera House

How to Apply

The application form is further down on this page.  The deadline for applications is 1 February 2025.

Application requirements

1. Applicants must be an Australian citizen currently studying music or a musical instrument as an undergraduate or Postgraduate student.

2. Applicants must provide a score and MP3 recording of an original composition, or part of an original composition, that they have composed, no longer than 10 minutes.  The composition does not have to be for chorus but must be for more than one voice or instrument.

3. Applicants must provide a short explanation (no more than 250 words) as to why they are interested in the Award.

4. Applicants will be asked for personal information as part of the application process.  This information will not be shared unless permission is granted by the Applicant in question.

Sydney Philharmonia commissioned composer, Katie Noonan