West London Chamber Choir 2026: £1,000 Henk de Jager choral composition prize, 26 October deadline
International opportunity for a short original choral piece
West London Chamber Choir is accepting music for the Henk de Jager Choral Composition Competition, closing Monday October 26, 2026. Composers of all ages and nationalities are eligible. Scores must last four to five minutes and suit a mixed chamber choir up to SSAATB, either unaccompanied or with piano. The text must come from the organisers' prescribed options, which include Psalm 103 and Anja de Jager's Beech Tree. A work with an unrelated poem will not qualify even if it meets the duration and choral scoring limits.
Anonymous score preparation
Send a PDF score bearing a pseudonym, with a separate document giving the real composer's identity, short biography, contact information and signed originality declaration. Accompany the score with an MP3, MIDI or similar audio demonstration; an a cappella work should include a practical piano reduction for rehearsal. The rules call for original works that have not previously been performed or published. The choir's official page identifies the correct electronic submission address, rather than requiring prospective entrants to use a generic competition registration service.
Concert, jury and monetary awards
Up to six works may be selected for a live concert on March 19, 2027 at St James, Sussex Gardens, London, conducted by Hilary Campbell with pianist Krystal Tunnicliffe. The jury includes prominent composer Dame Judith Weir and experienced choral director Stephen Jackson. The first prize is £1,000, second £500, and a separate £100 audience prize is available. Being shortlisted does not automatically mean receiving money or a paid international trip. Composers should plan around the expected selection notice in January.
About the choir and artistic rights
West London Chamber Choir, established in 1989, has a documented programme of public performances and choral music projects. This competition commemorates a named supporter and commissions new repertoire for a real ensemble. The rights declaration permits specified uses of compositions and recordings, so it is especially important for authors with publishers or existing exclusive performance agreements to read the original legal terms before entering.
Official organiser application and rules
Information reviewed 23 October 2026. Verify current local deadlines, eligibility, entry and participation costs, travel and audition requirements, copyrights and contract conditions directly with the official organiser before submission.