Young Composers' Competition
ATTENTION ASPIRING YOUNG COMPOSERS!
We have launched the 2026 Elgar Festival Young Composers’ Competition, and we want your entries!
This is a fabulous opportunity for young composers to have their music played at next year’s festival in May; perfect for students studying GCSE or A Level music or for any young entrepreneurial composers out there!
Entry age groups are as follows:
Age up to 14:
- Compose a tune and two variations for brass instruments, using Trumpet, French Horn and Trombone.
- It should be 2-4 minutes long and in any style.
Age 14 – 18:
- Compose a tune and at least 3 variations for a standard brass quartet: two Trumpets, French Horn and Trombone.
- It should be 4 – 5 minutes long and in any style.
How to submit:
- Scores should be submitted in PDF format and recordings in MP3, M4a or Wav formats.
- All compositions must be clearly labelled with name, age, a contact address and email address.
- Submissions should be made via the competition page on the Elgar Festival website.
The deadline is Friday 27th March 2026; submissions will be judged by a panel of leading professional composers.
Kenneth Woods, our Artistic Director said: “We are delighted to launch this fantastic competition as part of the 2026 festival. Encouraging our young composers to help us celebrate the life and works of Worcestershire’s most famous composer not only adds a new and vibrant element to the festival but also highlights the talent of future musicians. We look forward to receiving entries!”
Last year’s winners were unanimously announced as Rory Woodward and Ottilie Wallace.
The winning compositions will be performed by members of the ESO Brass Section at the ‘Elgar for Everyone’ concert in Worcester Cathedral on Wednesday 27 May 2026. The winning young composers will receive their certificates from one of the judges.