Entries open 01/01/2026 and close 25/02/2026

The Concerto Competition is open to instrumentalists under the age of 21 on 1 May 2026. Performers are invited to perform one movement of a concerto (or another work for soloist with orchestra), with piano accompaniment. Double concertos may also be included. There will be two pianos available so that pianists can play with a second piano.

One performer from the competition (often, though not necessarily, the winner) will be invited to play their concerto movement with Redhill Sinfonia. Previous winners may enter and could even win, but will not be awarded this prize for a second time. Redhill Sinfonia is a good amateur orchestra but they need to ensure that they have the appropriate musicians for the proposed concerto and that the parts are playable for them and affordable for them to rent. To be considered for this opportunity, performers should ideally play a work written between 1750 and 1900, but please do consult the Section Secretary if you are in any doubt. Concertos outside these guidelines may be considered, but again, please ask for advice from the Section Secretary.

This year’s competition will be held on 28 April 2026 at Dunottar School, High Trees Road, Reigate, RH2 7EL.

Adjudicator: Matthew Taylor

Matthew Taylor won a Music Scholarship to Queens’ College Cambridge before being awarded the Conducting Scholarship to Guildhall School of Music. He is a former pupil and protege of Bernstein and conducted concerts with Bernstein in Germany. He also studied Composition with Robin Holloway and received special encouragement from Robert Simpson. Matthew’s performance of Simpson’s 11th Symphony won a Gramophone Record of the Year Award in 2004.

Matthew is one of the UK’s leading symphonists. His music has been regularly performed by BBC Orchestras and leading artists such as Emma Johnson, Martin Brabbins, George Hurst, Ken Woods, Raphael Wallfisch, Allegri, Carducci and Navarra Quartets and most of his large scale work are available on Toccata Classics. He has also written 8 string quartets, much chamber music and has been Composer in Residence at many leading UK Festivals.
He has been a Guest Conductor with many orchestras in UK and abroad. He is a Composition Professor at Junior Academy, Royal Academy of Music and is a staff conductor and teacher at Yehudi Menuhin School.