The Elgar Festival 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 (ages 14–18), ideal for students studying GCSE or A-Level music or for any young entrepreneurial composers.

 The 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, two to four 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 three variations—for a standard brass quartet, two trumpets, French horn, and trombone, four to five minutes long and in any style.

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

Kenneth Woods, Elgar Festival's 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. 

To apply, please visit elgarfestival.org.

Photo © Michael Whitefoot