BBC Young Composer 2023 opens applications

Applications are now open for BBC Young Composer 2023 – a biennial competition for those aged 12 to 18. 

Students of all technical abilities and musical backgrounds are encouraged to submit original compositions to the competition online, using any instruments or method of composing they wish. 

Entries will be assessed on their compositional idea, creativity and originality by a panel of musicians and industry experts, including composers Shiva Feshareki and Gavin Higgins. 

The winners will be announced on the BBC Young Composer website by 19 September 2023. Those chosen will be given the opportunity to participate in a tailored development programme, working with a mentor composer on a project with the BBC Concert Orchestra, which will culminate in a live performance or broadcast opportunity. 

Last year there was a BBC Young Composer Prom for the first time in its history, with six commissioned pieces from the 2021 competition winners. 

David Pickard, director of BBC Proms says: ‘There is musical talent in every corner of the UK and the BBC is proud to offer the opportunity for 12–18 year olds to develop their composing skills with us. Whether you consider yourself a composer or not, if you create your own original music, and are bursting with creativity, originality, and potential, then we want to hear from you.’

Entries for the competition close at 4pm on 3 July. Visit bbc.co.uk/youngcomposer to submit an entry or to find out more.