UK-Wide Music Competition Launches for Amateur Musicians
The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO) has announced the launch of the Lark Music-Making Competition, inviting amateur musicians across the UK to submit solo performances inspired by birdsong. The competition is open to anyone aged 18 and above, regardless of musical genre, instrument, or experience level.
Participants are required to perform a piece of music linked to birds through its title, theme, or overall mood. Both original compositions and interpretations of existing works are eligible, provided the entry is a personal performance. The competition is organized by the BSO in partnership with Lark Music Insurance and offers cash prizes totaling £1,000 across three age categories.
The prize money is intended to support musicians in furthering their musical interests, such as purchasing equipment or dedicating time to practice. In addition to the cash prizes, finalists will receive a complimentary subscription to the BSO’s 2025/26 Digital Concert series, valued at £170. This series includes 19 concerts streamed live and available on-demand for 30 days.
A panel of judges, including broadcaster Tom Service, Bond violinist Tania Davis, and sound engineer Chris Caton, will review the entries based on musicality, interpretation, and originality. Submissions can be made using smartphones or home recording setups, as they do not need to be professionally produced.
The competition is part of a broader collaboration between the BSO and Lark Music Insurance, which also supports various regional community programs. These initiatives aim to increase access to music-making for people from diverse backgrounds and abilities.
“We’re excited to hear the creative interpretations of our brief, which offers endless possibilities around birds and birdsong,” said Lucy Warren, joint head of BSO Participate and a member of the judging panel. “This competition celebrates personality, expression, and joy in music-making, whether it’s a classical work, jazz, or a brand-new creation.”
BSO CEO Dougie Scarfe emphasized that the competition highlights the millions of people who make music in various settings across the UK. “We see the transformative impact of music daily, and this competition shines a spotlight on that remarkable passion and talent,” he added.
Brian Hillstead, partnership account executive at Lark Music Insurance, expressed delight in collaborating with the BSO to launch the competition, providing amateur musicians with a platform to showcase their creativity. “Whether you’re playing for discovery, connection, or joy, this is your moment to be heard and celebrated,” he said.
