EMERGING COMPOSERS PATHWAYS PROJECT 2026

Chorus Ecclesiae Australia invites expressions of interest from emerging composers for a unique professional development opportunity focused on writing liturgical motets and anthems for churches with intermediate level choirs.

This program advances our ensemble’s mission to foster sacred music, education, and community engagement and is generously supported by the Robert Salzer Foundation, and additional donors.

Four composers will be selected by a panel of industry professionals to participate in this program. An additional 6 composers will be invited to observe the workshop and participate in the Q & A session at the end of the workshop.

There is no entry fee to apply.

Workshop Overview

Selected composers will:

  • Compose a new motet/anthem suitable for an intermediate choir

  • Receive individual mentoring sessions with Katharine, focusing on compositional development, liturgical writing, and practical considerations for choral ensembles.

  • Attend a day group workshop, where drafts of their works will be sung by Chorus Ecclesiae Australia.

    During this workshop, participants will receive constructive feedback from:

    • Katharine Parton

    • Choir Director, Shanti Michael

    • Singers of Chorus Ecclesiae Australia

    • Fellow emerging composers

  • Receive recordings of the workshop reading session for further refinement of their work.

  • Complete their composition for by September 2026 for future performance opportunities with Chorus Ecclesiae.

What Composers Gain Beyond the Workshop:

Participants will emerge from the program with:

  • A completed, high-quality choral work suitable for future performances and inclusion in their professional portfolio.

  • Professional workshop recordings to support grant applications, competition entries, and promotional use.

  • Valuable industry connections with mentors, conductors, singers, and other composers, opening pathways for future collaborations or commissions.

  • Potential future performance opportunities, including our hope to formally premiere the completed works the following year.

  • The possibility of publication, as we intend to pursue opportunities to have the selected works published.

  • An enhanced professional profile, having taken part in a curated composer development program.

  • A stronger understanding of practical choral writing, rehearsal processes, and writing effectively for real ensembles.

  • Increased confidence and experience working within a supportive creative environment that mirrors professional commissioning.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to emerging composers of any age or background who have an interest in sacred choral writing and wish to develop their craft in a supportive, professional environment.

Applicants must be Australian citizens or be able to demonstrate permanent resident status in Australia. Applicants must be able to attend the workshop in person in June (at their own expense if travelling to Melbourne). Dates will be confirmed soon.

How to Apply/ Submission

We invite all emerging composers to submit an Expression of Interest below. This form collects information about your background, compositional experience, and artistic practice. Please complete all sections and provide the required materials, including 2–3 composition samples with scores and recordings (live or MIDI).

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed, and four participants will be chosen. Please note that you will not be evaluated based on the length or depth of your CV or past experience. We understand that many applicants are in the early stages of their careers. Selection will be based on artistic potential, suitability for the workshop focus, and commitment to developing their compositional voice.

Key Dates

  • EOI Deadline: 31st Dec 2025

  • Composer Selection Announced: Mid-February 2026

  • Workshop Period: Mid-June 2026 on a Saturday 10am - 4pm (date to be confirmed shortly)

  • Location: Trinity College Chapel, Royal Parade, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3052 Australia

  • Completed composition timeframe: September 2026

Expression of Interest now open: Emerging Composers Workshop

APPLY HERE

Katharine Parton’s compositions confront the physicality of bodily action and synaesthetic experience to create works which challenge the image of the self and push the boundaries of the senses. She transforms sounds from the natural and built environments into beautifully lyrical and excitingly rhythmic works about sensory perception, knowledge, the body and grief. 

Katharine's music has been performed by The Gesualdo Six, The Consort of Melbourne, The BBC Singers, Fenella Humphreys, Choir of Trinity College, Melbourne, BBC National Chorus of Wales, Salisbury Cathedral Choir, Chichester Cathedral Choir, Paragon Singers Bath, Hannah Roper, Bel a cappella, Sydney and St Catharine’s College Girls’ Choir, Cambridge. Current and recent commissions include St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne, Leuphana University, Germany and Chorus Ecclesiae Australia. She is print published by Encore Publications and Multitude of Voyces and is an Associate Artist with the Australian Music Centre. Her works range across solo, choral and orchestral pieces.

Katharine has won positions in the UK and Australia, most notably as Director of Music and Bye-Fellow at Fitzwilliam College, University of Cambridge from 2014-17. She also holds a PhD from the University of Melbourne.