Application

HOW TO APPLY 

Applications for the 2025 NZSO NYO Composer-in-Residence have now closed. 

Application information for the 2026 NZSO NYO Composer-in-Residence will be available in March 2025. 

APPLICATION INFORMATION

We require the following documents and files for your application:

• Cover letter

• Biography

• A landscape headshot photo

• Proposal for your commission

• PDF scores of two previous works – at least one must be an orchestral work

• Audio files or recordings of these two works (midi files or YouTube links are fine)

• Please do not upload ZIP files.

This commission is an opportunity to write full orchestra (exact instrumentation will be advised in July) and cannot include soloists, amplification, electro-acoustic elements or other non-standard practices.

The successful applicant will be commissioned to write up to a 10-minute piece for orchestra which will feature in the NYO concert and receive a $1500 commission fee.

Flights and accommodation for the NYO week will be provided for those who live outside of Wellington.

Extended deadline for application: 5pm Thursday 19 June 2025

ELIGIBILITY

• Applicants must be a New Zealand resident or citizen

• Applicants must be 30 years of age or younger as of 19 June 2025

IMPORTANT DATES

17 Mar 2025 - Applications open
19 Jun 2025 - Applications close 5pm
30 Jun 2025 - Applicants informed of the panel’s decision
31 Jan 2026 - Deadline for new commission to be submitted to NZSO
28 Jun – 5 Jul- Dates of 2026 NZSO National Youth Orchestra programme 

For further information, please contact the NZSO Education team at education@nzso.co.nz.