by choirsontario
Choirs Ontario is now accepting entries for the 2026 Ruth Watson Henderson Choral Composition Competition.
A biennial contest for new choral works, the Ruth Watson Henderson Choral Composition Competition exists to provide Canadian composers with the opportunity to contribute to Canada’s rich choral tradition through the writing of original choral works.
Prize: $2,000 and a premiere performance with one of Ontario’s celebrated choirs.
Entry Deadline: February 15, 2026
Composition Guidelines for the 2026 Competition (SATB Composition)
- The composition must be an original SATB work, 4-6 minutes in length, a capella or piano accompaniment, with a minimum of, or carefully considered, divisi, and appropriate for a proficient amateur mixed voice choir. *A capella submissions MUST include a piano reduction
- Texts may be sacred or secular and can be in languages other than English/French. The text must be either original, known to be in public domain or be accompanied by a letter of permission from the copyright owner.
- All submissions must not have been previously commissioned, published or performed. Arrangements of previously composed works are not acceptable. The composer shall retain the copyright of the work.
- Previous applicants re-applying must submit a different piece.
- Multiple entries by a single composer will not be accepted.