Young composers are often faced with the same problem when writing for a symphony orchestra: the orchestra itself, a strong, costly "instrument" that is not readily available. The commissions are generally awarded to experienced and well known composers. Without orchestral experience, the knowledge necessary to acquire the basic writing techniques for a large orchestra cannot be developed. It is a vicious circle.

The Young Composers' Forum sets out to allow young composers to develop their knowledge of the symphony orchestra as well as their familiarity with symphonic forms.
The Forum was created for this purpose in close collaboration with the Belgian National Orchestra and its Musical Director, Maestro Mikko Franck, the Queen Elisabeth Competition and the Concertgebouw Brugge. Reading sessions for young composers will be organised every two years.

The sessions consist of :

• Writing a new piece for a symphony orchestra
• Presenting the piece for reading sessions with orchestra. These sessions last for four days for all of the participants.
• Master classes by the conductor, the jury of composers and a selection of musicians from the orchestra
• Public performance of the best piece selected by the jury.