Young Composers Project

Grades 10 - 12

Are you a high school student who loves to compose? This is your opportunity to be mentored by a professional composer and to have your piece performed by the ESO!


Applications for the Young Composers Project are currently closed. Stay tuned for next season.


One student will:
  • receive a $1,250 bursary towards post-secondary studies
  • participate in a mentorship with composer Emilie LeBel
  • compose a new work
  • hear it performed by the ESO in front of a live audience

Eligibility
  • Applicants must be enrolled in high school in the greater Edmonton area at the time of the application deadline.
  • All scores submitted with the application must be written for live performance. While they may include electronic instruments (bass guitar, keyboards etc.), pure electronic music is not eligible.

To apply:
  • Applications must include three scores of original music you’ve composed, in PDF format. Scores may be created using a computer notation program or handwritten. These works can be in any genre and for any combination of instruments. They do not need to be for orchestra or in a classical style; we are simply getting an idea of your composing experience and skills.
  • One written score must be accompanied by a recording. Optional recordings may be included for the other compositions but are not required. Recordings of live instruments are strongly preferred over midi recordings.
  • A reference letter must be submitted from a musician (preferably a teacher) who is familiar with your work.
  • Completed applications must be submitted by Dec.15, 2023.

Please contact Lilian Belknap at lbelknap@winspearcentre.com with any questions.


Young Composers Project Alumni


1995
Heather Hindman – Almost Exuberant
Yelyn Der – Dreams Of Mind
1996
Jeffrey Johnson – The Los
Rachel Froese – Traveller’s Odyssey
1997
Darren Fung – Tones of Color
Sherri Twarog – For An Angel
1998
Chris Bagan – Variations on a Gigue
1999
Mark Germian – Parkallan Overtur
2001
Chelsea Mandrusiak – Summer Symphony
2002
Zosha di Castri – Folk Poem
Catherine Hiltz – April Journal
2003
Erin Craig – Metro
2004
Adam Ferguson – What’s in the Box?
2005
Jillian Hanks – Mosaic
2006
Harrison Lee – Valdalen
2007
Chao Wang – City of Ashes
2008
Roydon Tse – Remembrances
2009
Jia-Jia Yong – A Celebration of the Solstice
2010
Sean Doherty – Rainstorm
2011
Andrew Reid – Echoes of Time
2012
Samantha Semler – Longing for Restoration
Daniel Belland – Voyage
2013
Taran Plamondon – Flight
2015
Jacob Ridgway – Overture
Marc Sellers – Crossroads
2016
Michael Nunes – Egyptian Reverie
2017
Greg Parth – Fragments
2018
Vivian Kwok – Purge and Perseverance
2019
Caelan Jansen – Le Dragon
2021
Amelia McLeod – Arrival
2022
JUNE – Danse Vivante
2023
Ben Gartly – Redemption Sought