The UCD School of Music is seeking applications for a new music competition for secondary school students. The UCD Composition Prize is aimed at young composers in transition, fifth and sixth year, as well as A-Level students in Northern Ireland. The competition offers three cash prizes and the winning piece will be performed by the UCD Composition Ensemble at the National Concert Hall. 

Students are invited to submit an original composition for any combination of 1 to 4 instruments (electronic parts are also acceptable) in any style of music. Submissions will be judged on the originality and coherence of the musical idea, how well the music is written for the chosen instruments, and the presentation of the score. 

A panel consisting of UCD composition teachers and student members of the UCD Composition Ensemble will select three winning pieces to be awarded cash prizes. First prize is €500, second prize is €300, and the third prize is €150. The overall winning work will be performed by the ensemble at the NCH on 19 April 2024. 

The deadline for applications is 18 January 2024 at 3pm. 

For further information, visit https://shorturl.at/vNS09.
For help with any specific queries, email Dr. Peter Moran at composition [at] ucd.ie.

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