Choral Canada opens registration for 2026 Choral Composition Competition

This continues a long-standing national programme designed to encourage the creation of new choral repertoire in Canada.

Running since 2000, the competition supports composers at different stages of their creative development and now includes two awards: the Diane Loomer Prize and the Stephen Chatman Student Award.

The Diane Loomer Prize, sponsored by Cypress Choral Music, is open to emerging or early-career Canadian choral composers. The Stephen Chatman Student Award is open to Canadian students or students currently pursuing their studies in Canada.

Winners and honourable mentions are selected by a national committee of choral artists. Representatives of the sponsoring organisations do not take part in the adjudication process. Each applicant will receive written feedback from a member of the selection committee, and up to three honourable mentions may be awarded in each category.

The recipient of the Diane Loomer Prize will receive a cash award of $1,500, publication by Cypress Choral Music, and a performance by the National Youth Choir of Canada at the Podium Congress and Festival. The recipient of the Stephen Chatman Student Award will receive a $1,500 prize and a performance by a Canadian choir or vocal ensemble.

Registration for the 2026 competition is now open. The entry fee is $45, with a reduced fee of $25 for students. The submission deadline is 15 March 2026.

Emerging or early-career composers are defined as music creators who identify as being at the beginning of their professional career and who have typically been active for fewer than ten years, regardless of age or educational background.