We are here to support and encourage young Sussex musicians as they embark upon a professional career in music.

Money is a often hurdle for many emerging young musicians, so to help you on your journey we have several bursary prizes available in the Coro Nuovo Sussex Young Musician Competition.

For 2025, we are planning to award nearly £5000 in bursary prizes to the competition finalists.  Coro Nuovo reserves the right to adjust these (up or down) depending on the available funds.

If you have any questions, please check out our Frequently Asked Questions section below.

Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity!

2) Entrants also need to upload a one-take Performance Video lasting a maximum of 10 minutes. You may choose one or more pieces to perform. At the start of the video recording, you have up to an additional 1 minute to introduce yourself and explain why you have chosen the piece(s) you are performing. In Step 2 upload your Performance Video or click here.  Please make sure that you include your name in the title of the video so we can identify your performance video.

3) Entries for this year’s Competition must be received by 11.00pm on Friday 25 April 2025. Entrants who are selected for the Competition Final by the Coro Nuovo Committee will be contacted as soon as possible after the closing date.

4) The Competition Final will be judged on Finalists’ live performances at Coro Nuovo’s summer concert on Saturday 5 July 2025. Before entering the Competition, please make sure that are available on the afternoon and evening of this date.  Further details of the Competition Final will be provided to all Finalists.

5) The decision of Coro Nuovo and the Judges is final.

6) Coro Nuovo reserves the right not to award any or all the Competition prizes if it feels the standard of the performance(s) is not of sufficient merit.

7) If you have any questions about the competition or the entry requirements, see our FAQ information below.  If you still need further information, please contact Kate Kent (Chair, Coro Nuovo) email kate.kent@coronuovo.org.uk or call on 07740 946276.

How will the Sussex Young Musician of the Year Competition Finalists be selected?
The most important factor is the entrant’s video performances. However, the selection of Competition Finalists will also take into account how the judges think the entrant would benefit from the prize, and the strength of their connection with Sussex.

How will the Sussex Young Musician of the Year Competition Finalists be judged?
The most important factor is the Finalist’s performance at the Competition Final on Saturday 5 July 2025.  However, the judges will also take into account how they think the entrant would benefit from the prize, and the strength of their connection with Sussex.

On what date do I have to be between 18 and 26 to enter the competition?
Friday 25 April 2025

What does “having a Sussex connection” mean?
A Sussex connection can take different forms, for example:
– Born in Sussex
– Living or have lived in Sussex
– Currently studying or previously studied in Sussex
– Currently working or previously worked in Sussex
As judges will be taking into account the strength of the connection, it is important that Competition entrants explain their own connection with Sussex.

Can I submit more than one application?
Yes, you can.  If you are playing an instrument, it has to be a different instrument for each application.

Does it matter what pieces of music I play in the video performance?
No.  It is entirely your choice.  However, the video performance must not exceed 10 minutes.

Do I need to submit music scores for the judges?
No.  Music scores are not required for the Competition.

Do I play just one piece lasting 10 minutes or can I play more than one piece?
You can play more than one piece; however, we suggest that you choose pieces which show your musicality.

I am not a classical musician – does it matter?
Not at all.  We welcome applicants from all genres of music.

Do I have to be studying at a Conservatoire?
No. You need to be studying or intend to study music as a career, so you could for example be at Sixth Form College, University, Conservatoire or at another Further Education setting.