The Young New Yorkers’ Chorus (YNYC) is thrilled to be accepting applications for our 2024-2025 Competition for Young Composers!

YNYC has commissioned over 55 new works through its Competition for Young Composers, awarding a total of $38,000 to exciting new artists from all over the world. Past winners and finalists have included Abbie Betinis, Sydney Guillaume, Ola Gjeilo, Dominick DiOrio, Jocelyn Hagen, Jake Runestad, Dale Trumbore, Scott Senko, Matthew Lyon Hazzard, and Hilary Purrington.

We are excited to continue this tradition of supporting new choral works and talent in our 19th year of organizing the Competition, and are seeking applications from exciting young composers under the age of 35 (age 34 and younger). Interested composers are invited to apply with a sample of work written for voices. Previous entrants are encouraged to re-apply. Applicants should submit their materials by Tuesday, September 24th, 2024 at 11:59pm.

Three finalists will be chosen via an anonymous judging process, who will each be commissioned to write a piece based on a theme. This year, finalists will be engaged to write 5-6 minute SSAA works for our Treble Ensemble, with or without piano, which will be premiered at their concert taking place on Saturday, May 10th, 2025.

We’re also thrilled to announce that we have increased our prize amounts and travel stipends this year! The winner of the Competition will receive $2,500, and the two runners-up will receive $1,000. We have also increased our travel grants to assist finalists in traveling to New York for the premiere to $500. Finalists are not required to attend the premieres. Visa support is not available at this time.

One submission per applicant. Please send any questions to info@ynyc.org!

Eligibility and Guidelines

Applicants must be under the age of 35 years old (34 or younger) on Saturday, May 10th, 2025. Applicants may be of any nationality.

2024-2025 Competition Timeline

Applications Open: Tuesday, August 20th

Applications due: Tuesday, September 24th at 11:59pm EST

Finalists announced: Early October

Commissions issued: Mid-Late October

First drafts due: January 2025

Final drafts due: February 2025

Premieres: Saturday, May 10th, 2025 at The Church of St. Mary the Virgin (Times Square)

Timeline is subject to change