2025 Applications
MSO is currently accepting applications for the 2025 Cybec Australian Composers’ Program. Applications are due by 11:59pm Sunday 2 February 2025.
Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents living in Australia for the duration of the program (March 2025 - February 2026), and aged 35 and under on 1 March 2025.
To apply for the 2025 Cybec 21st Century Composers' Program you will need to complete our online application form (below) and upload a piece of music you have written as well as your CV (max 2 pages). Only applications submitted via our online form will be accepted.
Submitting your piece of music
As part of the application, you are required to submit ONE piece of music you have written. The composition should be recent and written for orchestral instruments (not necessarily for full orchestra), although other scores will be considered.
Please submit a PDF score of your composition together with an MP3 recording, via Dropbox only. Ideally the MP3 should be a live recording of your piece, although a high-quality midi recording is also acceptable.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the blind audition process please ensure that your name is only on the front of your score and not on every page.
How participants are selected
Up to four participants are chosen each year, via a two-stage selection process.
Stage One
All applications are reviewed via a “blind” audition process by our Lead Mentor and our Assistant Conductor, who will be unaware of your details while they listen to your MP3 and review your score. A shortlist of compositions will be selected to proceed to Stage 2.
Stage Two
Shortlisted composers will move onto round two and assessed by a panel of 4-5 industry professionals (such as a conductor, musician, composer, composition lecturer, MSO Artistic staff member). During this round, applicants’ identifying details are revealed.
Any member of the panel with a conflict of interest will make the panel aware of this (for instance if they know you in a professional, personal or educational setting). The panel then choses the four Program participants from the shortlist. You will be informed of the panel’s decision only after the four participants are chosen.
If you are chosen as a participant
If you are chosen as one of the four 2025 Cybec 21st Century Australian Composers’ Program participants you will be matched with a composition mentor for the duration of the program. The mentor is usually based in the city in which you are living, but in some cases if there is a more appropriate composer/mentor living elsewhere, then they will be chosen if you are both happy to communicate via phone/email/online.
There are various deadlines throughout the year which will be communicated at the start of the program. An in-person workshop in Melbourne mid-year is a key program event, affording you the opportunity to spend valuable time discussing your composition with both the MSO Librarian and selected orchestral musicians, as well as meeting other program participants.
A public Showcase performance of the final compositions will be in January/February 2026 in Melbourne, at which you, your mentors, and friends and family are welcome to attend.
Please contact artistic@mso.com.au with any queries.
