In response to the current reality of social distancing and school and college closures, pianist Finghin Collins and the New Ross Piano Festival have launched a competition for young composers. 

The competition invites young composers based on the island of Ireland who are aged between fifteen and twenty-one to submit an original composition. The work should be between three and four minutes in length and composed for solo piano only.

Composers can submit in one of two ages categories, with Category 1 for fifteen to eighteen year olds, and Category 2 aimed at those ages nineteen to twenty one. The winner of Category 1 will receive a prize of €200 and Category 2 has a prize of €300. Each of the winning compositions will be performed at the festival in September 2020. 

Compositions will be judged by Collins and the deadline for submissions is 15 May at 5pm. 

For more, visit www.newrosspianofestival.com/composition-competition.