NYO Composer-in-Residence
Every year, the NZSO offers a young New Zealand composer the opportunity to write a full symphonic work, which is premiered as part of the NZSO National Youth Orchestra programme.
Applications for the 2027 NZSO NYO Composer-in-Residence have now closed.
Application information for the 2028 NZSO NYO Composer-in-Residence will be available in March 2027.
Programme
For further information, please contact the NZSO Education team at
education@nzso.co.nz
For the 2027 NZSO National Youth Orchestra programme, we invite the Composer-in-Residence to create a new work commemorating the opening of the Wellington Town Hall and National Music Centre.
This composition should mark the occasion with ambition and celebration, reflecting the power of young musicians coming together for a landmark national performance. The work is envisioned as a bold, large-scale concert piece that captivates audiences and honours the significance of the venue and this historical moment.
This commission is an opportunity to write for full orchestra and may not include soloists, amplification, electroacoustic elements, or other non-standard performance practices.
The successful applicant will be commissioned to write an up to 10-minute piece for orchestra, to be performed in the 2027 NYO concert. They will receive a $3,500 commission fee.
If selected, composers who live outside Wellington will be provided with domestic flights and accommodation for the NYO week.
Application
Important Dates:
31 March 2026 - Applications open
28 May 2026 - Applications close 5pm
15 June 2026 – Results sent out
31 Jan 2027 - Deadline for commission
26 Jun – 4 Jul 2027 - NZSO NYO programme
How to Apply:
Applications for the 2027 NZSO NYO Composer-in-Residence have now closed.
Application information for the 2028 NZSO NYO Composer-in-Residence will be available in March 2027.
Eligibility:
Applicants must be a New Zealand resident or citizen.
Applicants must be 30 years of age or younger at the time of application close date.
We require the following documents and files for your application:
- Cover letter
- Biography
- A landscape publicity photo of yourself (refer to the artist image guide for requirements)
- Proposal for your commission
- PDF scores of two previous works – at least one must be an orchestral work
- Audio files or recordings of these two works (midi files or YouTube links are fine)
- Please do not upload ZIP files.
Previous Composers-in-Residence
2013
Composer-in-Residence
2012
Composer-in-Residence
2011
Composer-in-Residence
2009
Composer-in-Residence
2008
Composer-in-Residence
2007
Composer-in-Residence
No previous composers yet
There are no previous composers to display.
2027 NYO Composer-in-Residence
Jacob Barret
Jacob is a Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington) based composer who specialises in creating powerful concert music that inspires curiosity, collaboration, and social good. His approach is to create works that captivate listeners with iconic melodies and immersive soundworlds. This ensures that the music remains accessible, emotionally resonant, and transcendent – taking people on an adventure every time they listen.
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