Festival announces Young Composers’ Competition

Organisers of the annual celebration of the life and music of Worcestershire’s most famous composer have announced an exciting competition for young composers.

The Elgar Festival – which will take place next year from Saturday 23 May until Sunday 31 May – has launched its annual Young Composers’ Competition, which will result in the winning composition being played at the event.

The organisers of the festival are asking young musicians to compose a piece for brass trio (up to age 14) or brass quartet (age 14 – 18) ideal for students studying GCSE or A Level music or for any young entrepreneurial composers.

Entry age groups are as follows:

• Those who are aged up to 14 years old are asked to compose a theme and two variations for brass instruments, using trumpet, French horn and trombone, 2-4 minutes long and in any style;

• Those who are aged between 14 and 18 years old are asked to compose a piece a theme and at least 3 variations for a standard brass quartet, two trumpets, French horn and trombone, 4-5 minutes long and in any style.

The deadline is Friday 27 March 2026; submissions will be judged by a panel of leading professional composers.

Kenneth Woods, Artistic Director at the Elgar Festival 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!”

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.           

The winners of the 2025 competition were Rory Woodward – in the Under 14 category – and Ottilie Wallace, in the 14 to 18 year category with their winning pieces performed by members of the English Symphony Orchestra at the Elgar For Everyone concert in Worcester Cathedral, presented by Classic FM’s Zeb Soanes, on Wednesday 28 May 2025.

For further information and how to enter please visit Young Composers’ Competition – elgarfestival.org