Lead composition mentor: Jack Symonds

Performer mentors:

• Claire Edwardes (Artistic Director/percussion)

• Lamorna Nightingale (flutes)

• Jason Noble (Hatched Academy Director/clarinets)

• Arkie Moore (Hatched Associate Artist/Trumpet)

• Niki Johnson (percussion)

• Ronan Apcar (piano)

• March 31: Applications close.

• May - June: Multiple online sessions including: a group meet and greet; performer and composer presentations; an industry session with Mary Jo Capps and FN Director Kaleena Smith; check-ins with Hatched Academy Director and EO Artistic Director.

• July - October: Two online sessions with your chosen international composition mentor and sessions with lead mentor Holly Harrison.

• October 1: Draft scores are submitted for feedback from EO musicians and mentors.

• November 1: Final pre-workshop scores due.

• November 16-20: Hatched Composer Intensive week at The Church, Alexandria.

• November 21: Future Classics concert at the Utzon Room, Sydney Opera House.

• Week long in-person residency with workshops and industry support sessions as well as three online sessions prior. 

• Travel costs and accommodation for all interstate participants. 

• Lunch and snacks provided each day and breakfast/dinner per diems for interstate participants.

• Support in developing your new work prior to premiere and support in finalising the score after premiere. 

• Professional performance and documentation of your new work for portfolio inclusion. 

• The chance to connect with Ensemble Offspring's rich network of passionate arts collaborators.

Submit your application here!

Applicants are required to:

• Outline their musical education background (250 words);

• List musical influences, mentors and favourite composers/musical styles;

• Explain why you want to participate in Hatched Composer Intensive (300 words);

• Submit at least one (1), and maximum five (5), examples of your work. You must submit a score and recording for each example. Examples must be no more than thirty (30) minutes total in duration;

• Submit a short biography (250 words);

• Supply links to online profiles (e.g. website, Soundcloud, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook);

• Submit at least one (1) high-resolution photo/headshot;

• Provide two (2) musical/professional references (name, relation, contact details).

Applicants with individual access needs are encouraged to apply. You can contact our team via admin@ensembleoffspring.com for more information and assistance.

• This program is open to composers of all ages who identify as 'emerging' artists.

• Priority will be given to composers who have recently graduated from a music degree or who have some industry experience (though tertiary qualifications are not required).

• Priority will be given to female-identifying composers, people with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds and people who reside regionally.

• Composers must be Australian citizens and/or an Australian resident.

Applicants will be selected by Artistic Director Claire Edwardes, Hatched Academy Director Jason Noble and 2026 lead mentor Jack Symonds.

Is there an age limit for this program?

No. This program is open to composers of all ages who identify as 'emerging' artists.

I only have a midi recording of my composition. Can I submit this?

Applicants are encouraged to submit live recordings of their work where possible. However, we completely understand that having your work/s recorded can be difficult/inaccessible for emerging composers. Please submit the highest quality version of your work - even if that is a midi recording.

I have a long-form work that I would like to submit as an example. Is this okay?

Examples must be no more than thirty (30) minutes total in duration. If you are submitting a long-form work as an example, please provide exact timestamps for us to listen to.

A new addition to the program, biennially, one Hatched Composer Intensive participant will be selected to compose a $4,000 ‘Hatched Alumni Commission’ supported by the Amici Syndicate, to be featured in a future Ensemble Offspring season.

2025 Hatched Alumni Commission: Klearhos Murphy - Thy Mystical Names