The West Cork Chamber Music Young Composers’ Competition is now open for submissions from Irish and Ireland-resident composers under the age of 35. This prestigious competition, judged this year by acclaimed composer Bushra El-Turk, encourages innovative string quartet compositions (2 violins, 1 viola, 1 cello) that have not previously been performed in concert. The duration of the works should be 5–8 minutes.

The competition, celebrated for identifying and nurturing young talent, offers three winners each a prize of €1,000, three nights’ accommodation during the festival, and two public performances of their work by a conservatoire quartet at the West Cork Chamber Music Festival. The first performance will be part of a workshop allowing for feedback and revisions, followed by the official world premiere.

Entries must meet specific eligibility criteria, including age and residency requirements, and submit a single work by 23:59 on Wednesday, 13th March 2024. Submissions must be electronic, accompanied by a MIDI sound file, and follow the outlined application process.

See link below for further details.