2027 Layton Emerging Composer Fellowship

UNSW is delighted to announce the Layton Emerging Composer Fellowship for 2027, to encourage and promote the creation of chamber music works as part of the Australia Ensemble UNSW’s artist development program.

Generously supported by the late Emeritus Professor Roger Layton and Merrilyn Layton, the fellowship aims to empower and inspire composers of the highest standard with a focus on creativity and excellence.

The winner will receive $10,000 to write one 8-10 minute chamber work for the Australia Ensemble UNSW across the course of a 12-month period, through a competitive selection process determined by UNSW. The Emerging Composer will also be eligible for mentoring sessions, and their work will feature in at least one public workshop with feedback and guidance provided by the Australia Ensemble and leading composers.

Previous winners of the Prize include Felix Wallis, Dr Natalie Nicolas, Alex Turley, Angus Davison, Nicole Murphy, Harry Sdraulig, Ian Whitney and Elizabeth Younan, who have spring-boarded from the program into Australia’s largest concert halls and around the world.

The Layton Emerging Composer Fellowship is open to all Australian citizens and permanent residents, and still in an early career stage.

Applicants must be within the first 5 – 7 years of creative practice. Those with numerous commissions from major national or international organisations, or permanent academic positions will be considered established composers.

Applications will consist of three previous chamber works from the composer’s portfolio. The works will require recordings to support the submission, of which a minimum of two are required to be live recordings, and one may be a midi realisation.

Applications open on 29 July 2026, 12pm AEST and close 9 September 2026 5.00pm AEST. The winner will be announced on 7 November 2026, at the Australia Ensemble UNSW concert, and online by 9 November 2026, 12pm AEST.

 

 

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For more information click HERE