Orpheus Music Composition Competition 2025

Apply for the opportunity to have your work published, promoted, and performed. 
Winners may receive a publishing contract with Orpheus Music and have their compositions reviewed by Recorder Magazine (UK) and The American Recorder Magazine (USA) in 2026/2027. 

Application Deadline: 1 November 2025 

Register here: https://www.trybooking.com/CZGKF 

For full list of details and rule please click here.

Eligibility: 

  • Australian and New Zealand citizens 

  • And/or International and domestic students currently enrolled at Australian universities 

  • Professional musicians and educators welcome 

  • All age groups welcome 

Composition Requirements: 

  • Original Work – Must have been composed in the last two years and must not have won any other composition competition. 

  • Entry Limits – Up to two compositions per person. You may submit: 

  • One entry in either Solo, Solo + Accompaniment, or Duo 

  • OR two entries (choosing any two of the three options). 

  • Duration – Each composition should be between 3-10 minutes. 

  • Instrumentation: 

  • Solo – for unaccompanied recorder. 

  • Solo + Accompaniment – for recorder and piano/harpsichord only. 

  • Duo – for two recorders in any combination (e.g., SA, TB, AT, etc.). 

  • Any recorder from the recorder family may be used, including garklein, sopranino, soprano, alto, tenor, bass, great bass, contrabass, sub-great bass, and sub-contrabass. 

  • Ensure your score contains no identifying information (no name, publisher, or dates). Metadata in audio files should include only the title of the piece. 

 

Restrictions on Previous Winners:

  • First-place winners from previous Orpheus Music Composition Competitions may not re-enter.  

Prizes:

1st Place:

• $1,000 AUD

• Publishing contract (subject to Orpheus Music’s discretion)

• Recording of the composition

2nd Place:

• $500 AUD • Publishing contract (subject to Orpheus Music’s discretion)

3rd Place:

• $300 AUD • Publishing contract (subject to Orpheus Music’s discretion)

 

How to Apply: 

  • Step 1: Fill out the application form via TryBooking: https://www.trybooking.com/CZGKF 

  • Optional: Submit an MP3/MIDI recording (preferred but not required). 

  • Anonymity: Ensure your score contains no identifying information (no name, publisher, or dates). Metadata in audio files should include only the title of the piece. 

Application Fee: 

  • $40 for one entry 

  • $60 for two entries 

Final Deadline: 1 November 2025 Submit Score 
Finalists Notified: 1 December 2025 
Winners Announced: 13 January 2026, at the Australasian Recorder Festival  

All Finalists Notified by Email: January 14, 2026