Created in 2014 by Sharon Azrieli CQ for the Azrieli Foundation, the Azrieli Music Prizes (AMP) offer opportunities for the discovery, creation, performance and celebration of excellence in music composition.

The Azrieli Commission for Canadian Music is open to all Canadian composers with the aim of encouraging a deep engagement with the complexities of composing concert music in Canada today*.

*Please see the PDF “Submission Guidelines” the Foundation’s reflection on what constitutes Canadian music to ensure that the proposed work complies with its definitions.

Focus: Works for Choir, Symphony Orchestra and optional soloist(s)

A commissioning prize of $50,000 CAD is awarded biennially to the composer who proposes a response to this question that displays the utmost creativity, artistry, technical mastery and professional expertise.

The musical work resulting from the Commission will be:

  • premiered at the AMP Gala Concert during the 2026/2027 season
  • given two subsequent international premieres; and
  • professionally recorded for a future commercial release.

The selected laureate is expected to attend the rehearsals, performances, and recordings of the prize-winning works, with full support from the Azrieli Foundation, and will be publicly honored at the Gala Concert. The composer laureate attends the AMP Gala Concert as a guest of the Azrieli Foundation.

Altogether, the total prize package for the Azrieli Commission for Canadian Music is valued at over $200,000 CAD.

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ELIGIBILITY

  • Composers of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency in Canada may apply.
  • Composers of all faiths, backgrounds, gender, ages and levels of experience may apply.
  • Eligible composers must prove within the body of their submission the relevancy of their proposed composition to the Prize theme – a celebration of excellence in new Canadian music.
  • Proposals that explore cultural material outside of the composer’s primary cultural background are eligible, provided that the proposal demonstrates a respectful and responsible approach free of cultural misappropriation.

All applications and supporting documents may be in either English or French.

Les candidatures ainsi que les documents justificatifs peuvent être également en anglais ou en français.

Please note: all documents and supporting media must be submitted electronically between February 7 and May 2, 2025. Applications received after May 2 at 11:59 PM EST (GMT +5) will be disqualified.

Please download and read carefully the attached PDF “Submission Guidelines” for detailed information and regulations.

For questions regarding the substance of the application, please contact music@azrielifoundation.org.

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