Australasian Recorder Competition 2028
The Australasian Recorder Competition 2028
Proudly presented by Orpheus Music
PRESELECTION: 1 October 2027
FINALS: 7 January 2028
VENUE: Armidale, NSW, Australia
Click here for ARF rules, details and repertoire.
Updated on the 28/08/26
About the Competition
The Australasian Recorder Competition 2028 is proudly presented by Orpheus Music as part of the 2028 Australasian Recorder Festival, held in Armidale, NSW. Open to Australian and New Zealand recorder students and amateur players (both soloists and ensembles) the competition offers a unique opportunity to prepare repertoire to a performance standard, deepen musical understanding, and receive valuable feedback from a distinguished jury of international and Australian recorder professionals. Finalists will also have a chance at winning prize money across a range of sections.
Preselection & Finals
The competition is held in two stages. For the Preselection stage, soloists and ensembles must submit a video audition by 1 October 2027. Selected finalists will then compete live before the jury and a public audience on 7 January 2028 during the Australasian Recorder Festival. All participants entering the Preselection stage, and all finalists, must be enrolled in the festival (with the exception of youth ensembles, where only a majority of members need be enrolled). If financial barriers make participation difficult, bursary support may be available, please contact Orpheus Music for assistance.
Sections & Repertoire
The competition includes two main categories: Solo Recorder and Recorder Ensemble, each with Open and Youth sections (and a Child section for soloists). Repertoire requirements vary by section. For the Preselection stage, soloists and ensembles perform two set works, which are listed in the full rules below. Finalists then add one free-choice piece. Ensemble repertoire must include an original Australian composition published by Orpheus Music (not an arrangement), and a free-choice work with specific historical or stylistic guidelines depending on the section.
Prizes & Entry Details
Prizes are awarded across all sections, with significant cash prizes for both soloists and ensembles. Applications open on 1 August 2027 and must be submitted via Trybooking by 1 October 2027, along with the required video audition and application fee. Full competition rules, including repertoire lists, video requirements, and eligibility guidelines, can be found below. For any questions, please contact alex@orpheusmusic.com.au.
We look forward to hearing you perform!
All participants should familiarise themselves with the COMPETITION RULES below before applying. To enter the competition, complete the form at: https://www.trybooking.com/DKRKW
Please click here to read all the rules and details of the competition.
Prizes and Sponsors
We are deeply grateful to our generous sponsors, whose support makes this competition possible:
Solo Sections
Open: 1st – $2,500 (Mollenhauer & The Parish Family), 2nd – $1,000 (The Parish Family), 3rd – $500 (Lynden Gallagher)
18 & Under: 1st – $1,000 (Sydney Recorder Orchestra), 2nd – $500 (Sophia Mundi Steiner School), 3rd – $200 (Takeyama Recorders)
12 & Under: 1st – $500 (Society of Recorder Players South Asutralia & Kathy Day), 2nd – $200 (Anonymous), 3rd – $100 (Cecilia White)
Ensemble Sections
Open: 1st & 2nd – $2,000 & $1,000 (Victorian Recorder Guild), 3rd – $500 (Recorders and Early Music Union New Zealand)
18 & Under: 1st – $500 (Don Cowell Memorial Trust), 2nd & 3rd – $300 & $200 (Canberra Recorder and Early Music Society)
Additional contributions to running costs have been generously provided by anonymous donors and Dianne Goulding.