How to Enter

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Download entry brochure

Please also read the rules, terms and conditions.

Apply by filling out our online application form here.

Please read the entry brochure and the rules, terms and conditions carefully before completing the form.

The deadline for applications is 12th December 2025.

 

Who can enter?

 

• Open to all composers

• Residency - you must live or study in the UK

• You must not be closely related to anyone involved in running FCSO Composer Competition.

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For help and guidance about how to film your videos, take a look at this video.

And read the guidance here.

Get in contact with us at fmcinfo@fortismere.org.uk for any questions about the process.

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Open to all composers under the age of 30. £20 submission charge. Applicants are invited to submit a PDF of the score and the 1st violin part, plus an audio version, digital or otherwise. The piece must be approximately 10 minutes in length and suit a standard symphony orchestra within reason. The name of the composer must be redacted on all files to ensure fairness. These will be collated by Mattie and each candidate given a number, then forwarded to me for the first round. I will select my favourite 3 to 6 items and consult members of the orchestra for a final decision.

Costs: 

Webpage needs to be created for each competition.

Marketing - contacting colleges and schools, music services etc.

Judging process: I will charge £5 per entry for both competitions. I'm happy not to charge for the final round. The entrants need to provide their own accompanist.

So, let's say we have 30 applicants for the soloist competition, that means income of £900. £150 for judging and £450 prize money. This leaves £300 for admin and venue hire which would be Fortismere unless we want to upgrade? The composition competition could attract many submissions and will have minimal costs.

Deadline should be 30th September 2026 for both competitions. Final round for soloists will take place at the end of October/beginning of November. Possibly one of our Tuesday nights seeing as our members will have those in their diary anyway (this would be in addition to our schedule obvs.)