The GCC Choral Composition Competition

2023-24 Season

Premiering April 14, 2024

We are excited to launch our inaugural Guelph Chamber Choir Choral Competition for our 2023-24 Season, generously sponsored by the Quinn Family Foundation.

The Guelph Chamber Choir is a champion of Canadian choral music and as we celebrate our strong legacy of choral composers, we are also looking ahead to develop opportunities for the next wave of choral composers.

The winning composition will be premiered at our final concert of the season “The Language of the Stars”, on Sunday, April 14, 2024 at the Basilica of Our Lady (Guelph).

The 1st Prize winner and Honorable Mention winner will be notified in March 2024.

Competition Criteria

  • The Competition is for an “Emerging Composer” (self-identifying, no age requirements)
  • Piece written for SATB with String Chamber Orchestra (violins 1/ 2, viola, cello, bass)
  • Text should take inspiration from our concert title “The Language of the Stars” – composers should choose themes that connect with this concept (for example, texts associated with ‘light,’ ‘music of the spheres,’ ‘luminescence,’ are all suggestions).
  • Work will be 3:00 – 4:00 minutes in duration

Our prize winner will receive:

  • First prize will receive an award of $2,000
  • An archival recording of the premiere performance
  • A workshop rehearsal with the choir prior to the premiere.

A $500 “honorable mention” award will also be granted

How to Enter:

A PDF score must be submitted by January 15, 2024 to GCC General Manager, Tammy teWinkel at gmgcc22@gmail.com

Included with your submission, please include the following:

  • $15 registration fee paid by e-transfer to gmgcc22@gmail.com
  • A description of the piece and text – why this text inspired the work and any musical notes to express to the performers and audience.
  • A brief description of your compositional background and your aspirations as a composer.
  • A brief bio (max 250 words)
  • Headshot (optional)

Jury Process

All names on scores will be redacted before the 2 jury members receive the submissions.

The short-listed scores will be workshopped by the choir between January and March.

Many thanks to our 2023-24 sponsor: