UCD Composition Prize

The UCD Composition Prize is now accepting submissions. Young composers have the exciting opportunity to hear their original work performed by the UCD Composition Ensemble at the National Concert Hall in April 2025.

Learn more here.

This competition is free and open to students from Transition Year to Leaving Cert/A-Levels who are resident anywhere on the island of Ireland. Compose for any combination of 1-4 instruments or voices (electronic parts are also possible).

The ensemble line-up is highly flexible, so almost any combination of instruments can be accommodated. You can write in any style. Submissions will be judged on the originality and coherence of the musical idea, how well the music is written for the chosen instruments, and how well-presented the score is.

Submit your original composition as a pdf, with an accompanying recording or MIDI realisation if possible. Include your name, contact details, and the name of your school. The winning piece will be performed by the UCD Composition Ensemble in the National Concert Hall on Friday, 25 April 2025. Email your entries to composition@ucd.ie.

The deadline for submissions is Friday, 10 January 2025.