Celebrating the next generation of chamber musicians.
Presented by Pro Corda

Introducing: The 2027 Prize
A new chapter for young chamber music.

The National Youth Chamber Music Prize, formerly the Pro Corda Festival, returns in 2027 to bring together young musicians from schools across the UK and celebrate outstanding chamber music-making.

For generations, Pro Corda has championed chamber music as one of the most powerful ways for young musicians to learn and develop together.

The National Youth Chamber Music Prize builds on that legacy, creating a national platform where young ensembles can perform, receive expert feedback, develop their musicianship and represent their school.

In 2027, the Prize introduces a new three-stage format, beginning with an accessible digital qualifying round and progressing through live Regional Semi-Finals to the National Final in London.

  • Stage 1: Digital Qualifying Round

    Schools submit a video performance for each ensemble entered. Every ensemble receives professional adjudication and written feedback, giving all participants the opportunity to learn from the experience. Selected ensembles will progress to the Regional Semi-Finals.

    Stage 2: Regional Semi-Finals

    Selected ensembles will be invited to perform live at regional venues across the country. Each performance will be followed by a short coaching session, giving young musicians the opportunity to work directly with experienced chamber music professionals. The highest-performing ensembles will be selected for the National Final.

    Stage 3: National Final

    The National Final brings together outstanding young chamber ensembles from across the UK for the culmination of the 2027 Prize.

    A national stage on which to perform, meet fellow young musicians and celebrate exceptional chamber music-making.

  • The National Youth Chamber Music Prize is open to eligible chamber ensembles representing schools across the UK.

    Ensembles

    Groups should consist of:

    • 3–9 performers

    • All ensembles perform without a conductor.

    We welcome a broad range of chamber music combinations and encourage schools to enter groups that demonstrate genuine collaborative music-making.

    Schools may enter multiple ensembles and participate across multiple age categories.

    For further information please get in touch.

  • Each ensemble must be entered individually through the National Youth Chamber Music Prize registration form, which will be available shortly.

    You will need to provide details of the ensemble and school, alongside a link to the group's recorded performance.

    1. Prepare your ensemble

    Confirm that your group meets the eligibility requirements and prepare your chosen repertoire.

    2. Record your performance

    Create the recording required for the Digital Qualifying Round in accordance with the recording guidelines.

    3. Complete the entry form

    Submit an individual registration for each ensemble, including the recording link.

  • Pro Corda is committed to making participation in the National Youth Chamber Music Prize accessible to young musicians across the UK.

    If the cost of entering presents a financial barrier for your school, please contact us to discuss the support and options available.

    Entry fees are non-refundable following submission, except where the competition is cancelled by Pro Corda.

    All outstanding entry fees must be received before competition results are released or progression to the Regional Semi-Finals can be confirmed.