Fifth Saturday of the month from 5pm – 6pm with Stephen Gard
Classics, jazz, popular vocal, and choral items … all performed by developing talents in Sydney’s secondary schools.
Class Act – showcasing young local musicians. We are committed to promoting Australian musicians, with a focus on the young. This Saturday afternoon special exemplifies that commitment.
In schools across NSW, there is an abundance of new musical talent on the rise. In orchestral ensembles, solo acts, string quartets and more, these young musicians are honing and perfecting musical skills that will be a cherished companion in their life’s journey.
Whether you’re a classical aficionado or just like to unwind, check out these young musicians in their approach to excellence.
2MBS Class Act Composer Contest 2026
2MBS Fine Music Sydney is inviting the next generation of Australian composers to shine in the 2026 Class Act Composer Contest. Open to secondary school students across Greater Sydney, the competition offers a rare opportunity to have original music performed by professional musicians.
Entrants are encouraged to compose a three to five minute chamber work for Hourglass Ensemble, 2MBS Fine Music Sydney’s 2026 Artists in Residence.
Class Act continues to champion young creativity, music education, and emerging talent across Sydney’s vibrant classical music community.
2026 Application Guidelines
- Contemporary techniques and sonorities are welcome, so are conventional approaches.
- Your work should be from 3 minutes to 5 minutes long. Your work can use all or any combination of these instruments, but should be at least for a duet: 1 clarinet in B flat or bass clarinet, 1 flute, 1 violin, 1 cello, 1 piano.
- Submissions close Friday 3 July 2026.
- The winner and two runners-up will be announced during the week of 21 July 2026.
Value
- The winning work will be performed and recorded in the 2MBS’ Founders Studio with Hourglass Ensemble (2MBS Fine Music Sydney’s 2026 Artists in Residence) during term 3, 2026, with the composer present.
- The two runners-up will be workshopped by Hourglass Ensemble during term 3, 2026 with the composers present.
- Each entry will receive feedback from the judges. The judges will be the members of Hourglass Ensemble and the producers of Class Act.
- The winning piece and an interview with the composer will be broadcast on the edition of Class Act on Saturday 3 October 2026 at 4pm (also available on demand).
- The runners-up will be interviewed and their interviews broadcast live (also available on demand).
- The winning piece will be recorded in the Founders’ Studio by Hourglass Ensemble during term 3 of 2026.
- The winning composition will become part of the 2MBS Fine Music Sydney library.
- The winner will receive a recording of the performance (in WAV and mp3 format).
Eligibility
- The 2026 Class Act Composer Contest is open to secondary school students currently attending a secondary school, Years 7 to 12.
- Students living in the Sydney Metropolitan Area.
- No requirement that students must be musicians, or music students.
The selected music will remain the composer’s copyright property, but they will sign an agreement that 2MBS can broadcast it anytime without payment.
For further information, please contact Stephen Gard: [email protected]
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