Hoping to further expand the works available to Australian wind instrumentalists, Arcadia Winds has launched a brand new initiative for young composers. Putting the call out for original music written for wind quintet between six and nine minutes in length, the newly launched Arcadia Winds Composition Prize is now open to Australians aged 18 to 30.

Arcadia Winds. Photo © Cameron Jamieson

“We’ve always felt a strong connection to Australian composers and creating new works, and it’s really exciting that through this new initiative we are able to empower the new voices in composition in this country,” said Arcadia Winds’ clarinettist Lloyd Van’t Hoff.

The winner of the Arcadia Prize will receive $1500 prize money in conjunction with a number of career development opportunities. The lucky composer will receive a return flight to Melbourne for a workshop with the ensemble, with their composition to receive its world premiere by the group at the Melbourne Recital Centre in October. The winning composition will also feature on Arcadia Winds’ Australian Wind Music Portal. A second prize worth $500 will also be awarded.

Arcadia Winds has commissioned and performed works by composers including Elliott Gyger, Natalie...