The UniBrass Foundation has announced the launch of its 2026 UniBrass Composition Competition.

It follows the success of its two previous editions won by Naomi Rebecca Hill in 2024 and Lucy Green last year.

Student composers

This initiative targets young and student composers, encouraging budding them to hone their compositional skills.

Naomi's piece 'Calling' was published earlier this year by Wright & Round Music, whilst Lucy's composition, 'Fading Signals' received its premiere performed by National Champion, Flowers, and has subsequently been published by BrookWright Music.

Competition

The competition is open to all young people aged 18-25, university students, and recent graduates, regardless if they or their band compete in the annual UniBrass Championships or if this is their first journey into brass banding.

Entrants must compose an original work between 3 and 6 minutes in length, playable by a Championship Section level band.

Innovation and creativity are key to winning this competition which seeks to introduce exciting, new compositions by upcoming young musicians to the top levels of brass banding repertoireUniBrass

Innovation and creativity

A spokesperson told 4BR: "Innovation and creativity are key to winning this competition which seeks to introduce exciting, new compositions by upcoming young musicians to the top levels of brass banding repertoire."

Deadline

The deadline for submissions is 6th December with the results announced in early 2026. The rules and submission portal can be found at www.unibrass.co.uk/composition-competition