Chamber Music Ensemble Prize

Chamber Ensemble Prize

Manchester Midday Music Chamber Ensemble Prize launches in 2026 and brings emerging ensembles from across the UK into the spotlight. Ensembles ranging from trios to sextets, including string ensembles and vocal groups, will compete for our annual Prize, including a live public final in Manchester. The prize is free to enter.

First Prize winners will be awarded a recital in our series in The Bridgewater Hall in our 2027-2028 season, a cash prize of £2000, plus support securing further recitals in the UK, and will have a new work commissioned for them through our Composition Prize which they will perform in their series recital.

Second Prize winners will be awarded a recital in our 27/28 season in The Bridgewater Hall.

Additionally, one ensemble will be awarded the Audience Award following voting from the Friends of Manchester Midday Music and our public audience.

Criteria

• Age range of ensemble on the day of the final: 18-30
• Open UK Residents and UK based students
• Ensembles must be between 3 to 6 players, in any instrument combination, including vocal groups, period instrument ensembles, and combinations which include piano.
• Ensembles must be unconducted.
• Free repertoire choice which shows the ensembles strengths and is well balanced, and predominantly Western classical music.
• Applicants will also be asked to submit two examples of programmes for 50-minute recitals.

Video audition stage – Deadline for Submission 16 November 2026 at 5.00pm

• Submission of a video of 12-15 minutes of repertoire
• Video must include the permanent line up of musicians (no deputies)
• Video must include a short introduction from at least one ensemble member about the group and introducing the repertoire
• Individual videos for each work may be summitted
• Video must have been recorded within 6 months of the submission deadline
• The performances must be live video recordings produced in one take.
• Must be clear – both visually and in terms of sound quality

Live Final – Monday 4 January 2027

Our Artistic Consultant will select finalists from the video submissions and successful ensembles will be invited to compete in our live final at the RNCM in Manchester on 4 January 2027.

Finalists will perform an own choice programme of 25 minutes (including presenting to the audience and time for applause).

Judging panel

Jo Sweet (Artistic Consultant, Manchester Midday Music / Head of University Music and Concerts, University of Birmingham / Artistic Director, Barber Concerts)

Karen Humphreys (Trustee, Manchester Midday Music / former Head of RNCM Junior School)

Davis Jones (Trustee, Manchester Midday Music / Head of Accompaniment, RNCM)