The annual competition celebrates the creativity and musical imagination of choristers, offering young musicians the opportunity to develop their compositional voices alongside their performing experience. This year’s competition invited entrants to compose settings of the text Songs of Praise, producing a wide variety of musical responses across two age categories; under 14 years old and 14 to 18 years old.
In the under14 category, Izzy Smith of Ely Cathedral was awarded first prize for a composition praised by the judges for its originality and confident musical writing. The judges also awarded a Highly Commended prize to Albert Barzillia of Gloucester Cathedral and Kai Huang of King’s College School, Cambridge received a Commended award.
In the 14–18 category, the winner was Zino Zigan of Wells Cathedral School. The judges also awarded a Highly Commended prize to Thomas Strudwick of King’s School Ely.
Judge Jonathan Willcocks praised the breadth and quality of submissions, noting “a wide range of settings, from quite simple choral unaccompanied pieces up to more sophisticated compositions.” He added that the judges were looking for works “that were pleasingly consistent in your chosen style and which were sympathetic to the natural rhythms and message of the prescribed text.”
He also encouraged all entrants to continue developing their musical creativity: “However experienced we are as composers we all learn every time we create new music. Keep composing and we look forward to seeing more of your work next time the Composition Competition is held.”
The CSA Chorister Composition Competition continues to highlight the breadth of musical talent within choir schools, encouraging choristers not only as performers but also as creators of new music. The partnership with the David Willcocks Trust reflects a shared commitment to nurturing the next generation of composers and church musicians.
