Oscar Bookbinder Composition Competition 2027
Solo or Duet
Vocal or Instrumental Solo or Duet, with or without accompaniment. Submit an audio or video recording of a live or computer-generated (MIDI) performance and score. Competitors are strongly encouraged to submit recordings of the best possible quality.
The winner of the Solo or Duet category will receive $500, a plaque, and an opportunity for a future performance at a Festival event.
Computer Music
Computer Music must be an audio-only recorded performance created by the composer using computer software and generated on the computer. This may include MIDI, computer-generated sounds and/or recorded natural sounds which may be manipulated on the computer or used as is. Competitors are strongly encouraged to submit recordings of the best possible quality.
The winner of the Computer Music category will receive $500, a plaque, and an opportunity for a future performance at a Festival event.
Ensemble
Vocal or Instrumental with or without accompaniment. Submit an audio or video recording of a live or computer-generated (MIDI) performance and score.
Minimum of 3 parts, not including optional accompaniment
The winner of the Ensemble Class category will receive $1,000, a plaque and an opportunity for a future performance at a Festival event.
The competition is open to young Canadians aged 28 and under who self-identify as emerging composers. Advanced musical knowledge and a high level of musicianship and understanding are expected. Other than computer music, each submission must include printed sheet music (neatly handwritten scores will be accepted, but computer-generated scores are preferred) along with a recording of either a live performance or a computer-generated (MIDI) performance. Printed music must include dynamics, tempo, and any other pertinent musical markings. You may submit it in PDF format. The composition must not have been published.
Computer Music entries do not need to include printed music but must include a detailed explanation of how the composition was created. This should include a description of the types of sounds used and the software used to create the composition. Competitors are strongly encouraged to submit recordings of the best possible quality.
Submission Deadline: December 14, 2026
The composition competition is open only to Canadian residents up to age 28. Previous winners may enter again but not in the same category that they won.
USE THIS FORM TO APPLY NOW.
Vocal or Instrumental Solo or Duet, with or without accompaniment. Submit an audio or video recording of a live or computer-generated (MIDI) performance and score. Competitors are strongly encouraged to submit recordings of the best possible quality.
The winner of the Solo or Duet category will receive $500, a plaque, and an opportunity for a future performance at a Festival event.
Computer Music
Computer Music must be an audio-only recorded performance created by the composer using computer software and generated on the computer. This may include MIDI, computer-generated sounds and/or recorded natural sounds which may be manipulated on the computer or used as is. Competitors are strongly encouraged to submit recordings of the best possible quality.
The winner of the Computer Music category will receive $500, a plaque, and an opportunity for a future performance at a Festival event.
Ensemble
Vocal or Instrumental with or without accompaniment. Submit an audio or video recording of a live or computer-generated (MIDI) performance and score.
Minimum of 3 parts, not including optional accompaniment
The winner of the Ensemble Class category will receive $1,000, a plaque and an opportunity for a future performance at a Festival event.
The competition is open to young Canadians aged 28 and under who self-identify as emerging composers. Advanced musical knowledge and a high level of musicianship and understanding are expected. Other than computer music, each submission must include printed sheet music (neatly handwritten scores will be accepted, but computer-generated scores are preferred) along with a recording of either a live performance or a computer-generated (MIDI) performance. Printed music must include dynamics, tempo, and any other pertinent musical markings. You may submit it in PDF format. The composition must not have been published.
Computer Music entries do not need to include printed music but must include a detailed explanation of how the composition was created. This should include a description of the types of sounds used and the software used to create the composition. Competitors are strongly encouraged to submit recordings of the best possible quality.
Submission Deadline: December 14, 2026
The composition competition is open only to Canadian residents up to age 28. Previous winners may enter again but not in the same category that they won.
USE THIS FORM TO APPLY NOW.
