Young Composers' Forum <35 years

writing for orchestra and/or ensemble

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 as well as their familiarity with the symphonic orchestra and the chamber music forms.
The Forum was created for this purpose, at the beginning 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.