TMChoir Choral Composition Competition

Emerging composers – new works

The TMChoir launched a new annual Choral Composition Competition for emerging composers in June 2015. The winners of this competition receive the Debbie Fleming Prize for Choral Composition.

TMChoir is proud that its Choral Composition Competition brings new works from emerging composers to choral music in Canada. The winners of the competition receive the Debbie Fleming Prize for Choral Composition in the amount of $1,000, and the winning work is premiered by the TMChoir at one of their concerts.

Debbie Fleming is a TMChoir alumna who sang in the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir for 40 years and who retired in June 2015.  The TMChoir is grateful for Debbie’s commitment to the enrichment of the TMChoir’s education program and to the growth of choral music in Canada.

2023/2024 Competition

Submissions for the 2023/2024 Competition are closed.

TMC accepts submissions from emerging composers who are Canadian or who work, live or study in Canada.

Works to be submitted must be:

  • not more than 5 minutes in length
  • a sacred or secular work. The composed work should be accessible to a wide range of listeners.
  • scored for SATB or SSAATTBB a cappella or piano accompaniment
  • composed using a text that is 1) original (written by the composer), 2) in the public domain, or 3) under copyright, but with written permission of the copyright holder. We encourage composers, if possible, to choose text by a poet from an underrepresented community.
  • in manuscript produced using music notation software
  • A cappella works should be written in open score with a piano reduction underneath

Apply now

Deadline for applications is January 13, 2024

The Toronto Mendelssohn Choir welcomes and encourages submissions from composers who identify as various races, genders, abilities, and sexual orientations. The Choir is committed to eliminating systemic barriers and to a more inclusive experience. We are focused on fostering creative spaces that are safe, respectful and accessible for everyone. Read the TMChoir’s statement of commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Previous Prize winners

2022: Kai Leung of Toronto, Ontario for: There Will Come Soft Rains.

This work was performed at the TMChoir’s May 5th Choral Conducting Symposium concluding concert.

2021: Benjamin Sigerson of Vancouver, British Columbia for: Of Rest.

This work was performed at the TMChoir’s June 28th Choral Conducting Symposium concluding concert.

2020: Alastair Boyd of Toronto, Ontario for: A Hymn on the Nativity.

This work was recorded by TMChoir choristers from home during the pandemic and was premiered as part of the Choir’s virtual Festival of Carols 2020 program.

2019: Zachary Windus of Ancaster, Ontario for In Bethlehem upon that morn. 

This work was premiered at Festival of Carols on December 3 and 4, 2019.

2018: Russell Wilkinson of Edmonton, Alberta for There Is No Rose.

This work was performed on December 4 & 5, 2018 at Festival of Carols.

2017: Joannie Ing of Toronto, Ontario for The Good News Carol.

This work was performed on December 5 & 6, 2017 at Festival of Carols.

2016: Elizabeth Ekholm of Montreal, Quebec for Prayer of St. Francis.

This work was performed at the June 4, 2017, Choral Splendour concert.

2015: Stuart Beach of Regina, Saskatchewan for Psalm 100.

This work was performed at the January 2016 Choral Conductors’ Symposium concert.