The Juvenis Corde Prize for choral composition is aimed at encouraging young composers in the creation of original work for unaccompanied mixed choir, in support of UNSW's thriving choral program in the Music Performance Unit.
The Prize is open to any individual who is a permanent resident or Australian citizen, and is under the age of thirty (30) at the composition closing date.
Applicants must submit a 2-to-3-minute original choral score for four-part unaccompanied mixed choir (SATB) based on a theme of nature, to be performed by Corde. The Score must include single soprano, alto, tenor and bass voice parts (SATB) with no further division of any vocal part permissible.
The Score must be an original work of the entrant and not copied from any other work and must not have been previously performed in public, recorded for public release or performance or rewarded in a previous composition competition or prize.
The winner will receive a cash prize of $AUD1500 in addition to the opportunity to have their Score performed by Corde at a public performance in 2026.
Corde is the elite arm of the Collegium Musicum Choir that was formed in 1985. It includes only a small number of singers (18-24) from across the UNSW campus community, and sings challenging, unaccompanied pieces of music.
How to Apply
Read the conditions of entry prior to submitting.
Submit your entry via this form or visit https://www.music.unsw.edu.au/form/juvenis-corde-prize.
The Prize commences on Monday 2 March 2026 at 9am Eastern Daylight Savings Time and closes on Monday 11 May 2026 at 5pm Eastern Standard Time.
Get in touch with us online, by phone or in person.