Sam Haywood Composition Competition 2026 - Solo Piano and String Quartet

A new Australian competition for composers under 30, with winning works performed during Sam Haywood’s Australian tour.

Official Call / Opportunity Page URL: https://www.timbreandco.com/sam-haywood-composition-competition

Deadline: 19 July 2026, 11:59pm AEST.

Application Fee / Participation Fee: 45 AUD for a single submission; 35 AUD per entry for multiple submissions. Fees are non-refundable.

Eligibility: Applicants must be under 30 years old.

Composition / Submission Requirements

·       Two categories: solo piano and string quartet.

·       String quartet instrumentation: 2 violins, viola, cello.

·       Works must be original, unperformed, and unpublished.

·       Maximum duration: 6 minutes; single-movement works only.

·       No electro-acoustic elements or prepared piano.

·       Submit a fully notated PDF score and MP3 audio recording.

Prize / Benefits

·       Solo piano winner: live performance by Sam Haywood and professional studio recording by Sam Haywood.

·       String quartet winner: live performance by Efrata Strings during the Sam Haywood Australian tour 2026.

·       Concert performances are planned for late September to mid-October 2026.

Application Method

·       Apply through the official competition page using the single-entry or multiple-entry checkout/application options.

·       Prepare personal details, PDF score, and MP3 audio before starting the application.

Recommended for

·       Young composers with concise solo-piano or string-quartet works.

·       Composers seeking a performance/recording opportunity connected to a concert tour.

Notes for Applicants

·       This is a 2026-founded competition; applicants should read the official rules closely because the format is new.

·       Check the official page before posting in case dates or application checkout details change.