Emerging Composer in Residence Program
Emerging Composer in Residence Program 2027
Celebrating their 50th year of making music in Canberra and the region in 2027, the Oriana Chorale is excited to announce the third year of their annual Emerging Composer in Residence program.
Oriana has a long history of programming and commissioning new work from established Australian composers. The Emerging Composer in Residence Program aims to amplify and uplift new Australian voices by providing the unique opportunity of assisting an emerging composer to start to create a body of work, culminating in guaranteed performances and live recordings.
Application Information
The Program is open to all Australian citizens residing in Australia who are emerging composers. There is no age limit, and composers of historically under-represented demographics are encouraged to apply.
The successful applicant will be required to compose 3 original works of 3-5 minutes each over the course of Oriana’s performing year. The theme of each work and exact voicing (including accompaniment) will be at discretion of the Musical Director. The composer will be offered a total fee of $3000 for this work: $1000 for each successfully completed piece.
Opportunity will be provided to attend at least 1 workshopping rehearsal for each piece in addition to attendance at each premiere. Oriana will endeavour to provide a travel stipend and billet for composers residing outside of the Canberra region. The composer may attend further rehearsals at the discretion of Oriana Chorale’s Music Director at their own expense.
There will be feedback available during the composition process from Dan Walker. There will also be free music preparation services provided.
Submission Requirements
- A completed entry form: https://forms.gle/cNdCwhGdG72nDkUi7
- 2 original works for choir (any voicing), with identifying information removed
- Recordings corresponding to these works (either live or computer playback)
- A short paragraph outlining why you see yourself as an emerging composer and how this Program will assist you in your development
- A short biography and headshot (not used during the initial selection process)
Applications will be initially judged by the panel anonymously so all identifying information must be removed from scores and recordings prior to submission.
Application Timeline
Applications open: 1 August 2026
Applications close: 5pm (AEST) 2 October 2026
Applicants informed of outcome by: 31 October 2026
Public announcement will be made on 6 December 2026 at Oriana’s final concert of the year.
Oriana Chorale's Emerging Composer Program is made possible by kind assistance of the Oriana Chorale Cultural Fund
