The 2017 award, presented by the National Centre for Early Music and BBC Radio 3 in partnership with The Tallis Scholars, directed by Peter Phillips, was launched on BBC Radio 3’s Early Music Show in November.

Applications are open to composers resident in the UK in two age groups: 18 years and under; and 19 to 25 years. Composers are invited to write a new work for unaccompanied choir, creating a contemporary setting for the words of a great Latin hymn, either Ave Regina Coelorum or Salve Regina. See the Terms and Conditions page for full details, texts and application forms.

The two winning works will be premiered by The Tallis Scholars in a public performance at The Bridgewater Hall in Manchester on Saturday 16 September 2017. The concert will be recorded for broadcast on BBC Radio 3’s Early Music Show.

Registrations of interest must be received by 5.00pm on Friday 24 February 2017. Completed scores must be delivered to the NCEM no later than 5.00pm on Friday 24 March 2017.

Find out more here.