Kantos Carol Competition
Kantos is seeking a new Christmas carol for unaccompanied choir. The composition may use sacred or secular text, or a combination of both, provided the composer has the necessary permissions. It must be no longer than six minutes and may include divisi up to SSSAAATTTBBB. Works previously performed in concert by a professional ensemble or released on a commercial recording are ineligible. There is no age limit.
The winner will receive £500, and the carol will be performed at Candlelit Carols with Kantos on Thursday 3 December at St John’s Church, Chester, and Saturday 5 December 2026 at St Ann’s Church, Manchester. Composer Cecilia McDowall will join the judging panel.
How to apply
Closes 5 Nov 2026
To enter, submit the score as a single PDF through the competition’s submission form and pay the £10 entry fee via Zeffy. Multiple entries are welcome, with a separate fee for each. The deadline is 17.00 GMT on Thursday 5 November 2026, and the winner will be announced on Friday 20 November.
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