Emerging Composers
Sydney Philharmonia Choirs is delighted to announce the second year of its Emerging Composer Awards. These awards were 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 2026 Emerging Composers will be paid to write a new 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 concert by SPC’s amazing young adult choir, VOX, in their 25th anniversary concert.
Applications, unfortunately, are now closed for 2026.
“Thanks for such a life-changing opportunity. To have a piece that I’ve written performed with such excellence, and received so warmly by so many, was one of the best experiences of my life.”
~ Kayla Erin Hinton, Emerging Composer
Application requirements
- Applicants must be an Australian citizen currently studying music or a musical instrument as an undergraduate or Postgraduate student.
- 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.
- Applicants must provide a short explanation (no more than 250 words) as to why they are interested in the Award.
- 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.
2025 Emerging Composers
In 2025, SPC’s Emerging Composers are Kayla Erin Hinton and Phillip Cullen. Their new works, A Prayer of Jesus and A Nativity were performed by Sydney Philharmonia Choirs and Orchestra in the Sydney Opera House, as part of the Carols at the House event on 12, 13, and 14 December 2025.
