The Young New Yorkers' Chorus (YNYC) is thrilled to be accepting applications for the 2026-2027 Daniel Thompson Memorial Competition for Young Composers.

Since the spring of 2001, the Young New Yorkers’ Chorus has provided a close-knit community for talented singers in their 20s and 30s, assembling some of the finest choral musicians from the many young people seeking an artistic life in this dynamic city. Under the direction of General & Artistic Director Alex Canovas, YNYC’s 60+ voice Mixed Ensemble and 40+ voice Treble Ensemble perform works by some of the most exciting composers working today.

YNYC has commissioned over 55 new works through its Competition for Young Composers, awarding over $40,000 to exciting new artists from all over the world. Past winners and finalists have included Abbie Betinis, Sydney Guillaume, Ola Gjeilo, Dominick DiOrio, Jocelyn Hagen, Jake Runestad, Dale Trumbore, Jeffrey Derus, Scott Senko, Matthew Lyon Hazzard, and Hilary Purrington.

We are excited to continue this tradition of supporting new choral works and talent in our 21st year of organizing the Competition, and are seeking applications from exciting young composers under the age of 40 (age 39 or younger.) Interested composers are invited to apply with a sample of work written for voices. Previous entrants are encouraged to re-apply, but previous finalists and winners are not eligible to apply. Applicants should submit their materials by Monday, June 1st, 2026 at 11:59pm EST. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Three finalists will be chosen via an anonymous judging process, who will each be commissioned to write a piece based on a theme. This year, finalists will be engaged to write works for our Treble Ensemble of SSAA voices for their fifteenth anniversary season.

The winner of The Nathan Davis Grand Prize in Competition will receive $2,500, and the two runners-up will receive $1,000. Travel grants are available to assist finalists in traveling to New York for the premiere to $500.

One submission per applicant. Please send any questions to info@ynyc.org.

*Timeline is subject to change

Eligibility and Guidelines:

As of 2025, we've increased the age limit for eligible composers to 40 (age 39 or younger.) Applicants must be under the age of 40 years old (39 or younger) at the time of the submission deadline, June 1st, 2026, rather than the concert date. Finalists are encouraged, but not required, to attend the dress rehearsal and premiere performance. Finalists are able to receive up to $500 in travel assistance to attend the premiere.

Timeline for 2026-2027 Competition

Applications Open: May 1st, 2026

Applications due: Monday, June 1st at 11:59pm EST

Finalists announced: Early July 2026

Commissions issued: Mid July 2026

First drafts due: Early November 2026

Final drafts due: Early January 2027

Premieres: Saturday, May 1st, 2027 The Church of St. Mary the Virgin in Times Square, NYC

Timeline is subject to change