Wells Cathedral Commissions is inviting composers to submit a new, original choral work for the Advent season.
This exciting new competition is free to enter and open to all ages.
Wells Cathedral are seeking unaccompanied SATB (soprano, alto, tenor and bass) choral work of up to five minutes’ duration, written specifically for liturgical use in the context of an Advent service at Wells Cathedral.
Composers may choose to write or compile their own text, provided it meets the liturgical and contextual requirements of the Advent season and is appropriate for use within a cathedral procession.
The winning composition will receive its world premiere performance by Wells Cathedral Choir during the Cathedral’s Advent Procession on Sunday 29 November 2026. The winning composer will be awarded a £1,500 cash prize and will be invited to attend the performance, with UK travel and one night’s accommodation provided.
An expert panel of judges will be composers Joanna Marsh and Owain Park, together with Wells Cathedral’s Director of Music, Timothy Parsons, and Assistant Director of Music, Carolyn Craig.
The Advent Carol Competition 2026 is part of Wells Cathedral’s ongoing commitment to commissioning and supporting new music for liturgical and wider performance.
Competition details at a glance:
- Open to composers of any age
- Free to enter
- SATB unaccompanied choir (limited divisi permitted)
- Duration: up to five minutes
- Prize: £1,500
- Deadline: Sunday 20 September 2026, 5pm (BST)
For full terms and conditions, how to apply and further details, visit Wells Cathedral website.
