HOW TO APPLY 

Applications for the 2024 NZSO Todd Young Composer Awards have now closed. 

Application information for the 2025 Todd Young Composer Awards will be available in November 2024. 

APPLICATION INFORMATION

We require the following documents and files for your application:

• Composer biography (150 words)

• A landscape headshot photo

• Programme notes for your composition

• PDF score of your composition with your name on the score

• PDF score of your composition with all identifying information removed (this is to keep the selection process anonymous)

• Audio file of your composition (computer-generated audio is fine).

If selected, flights and accommodation will be provided for those who live outside of Wellington Region.

All scores must be submitted in accordance with the NZSO Requirements for Score & Parts Preparation.

Deadline for applications: 5pm, Tuesday 11 June

ELIGIBILITY

• Applicants must be a New Zealand resident or citizen

• Applicants must be 25 years of age or younger as of 11 June 2024

• One application per person.

Guidelines for Submission

• Maximum duration of 5 minutes

• Work to be for symphony orchestra without soloists, amplification or electronic elements

• Maximum instrumentation is as follows: 3 flutes, 3 oboes, 3 clarinets, 3 bassoons, 4 horns, 3 trumpets, 3 trombones, 1 tuba, 1 timpani, 3 percussion, harp and strings (the following woodwind auxiliary instruments are available: piccolo, alto flute, bass flute, cor anglais, bass clarinet, Eb Clarinet and contrabassoon). Please refer to the below documents when writing for harp and percussion.

• A complete and accurate instrumentation list and duration must be provided at the beginning of the score.

• NZSO reserves the right to ask composers to revisit any composition that includes extended techniques that may damage instruments.

• Revisions to the score and parts other than those requested by the NZSO library will not be accepted after Friday 4 October.

• Any non-standard items, such as string practice mutes must be provided by the composer.

• All eligible scores will be assessed for inclusion by a panel including NZSO Musicians, Education and Library staff, the Composer Mentors, and the Conductor. This assessment will be carried out using anonymised scores to avoid any potential bias or conflict of interest.

• All guidelines must be strictly adhered to, or your work will not be eligible for consideration.

IMPORTANT DATES

Fri, 22 Mar  Applications open     
Tue, 11 Jun  Applications close
Fri, 28 Jun  Applicants are notified of the outcome
Fri, 04 Oct  Deadline for Revised Scores