Open until 25 June, entry is free for UK-based instrumentalists (18+) across all genres. Simply upload a solo performance of up to 3 minutes inspired by birds or birdsong. Winners and finalists will be announced in mid-July.

The panel of expert judges features musicians, broadcasters and producers from across the industry, including presenter Tom Service, violinist Tania Davis, and conductor Enyi Okpara.

Launched by Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO) in association with Lark Music Insurance, the Competition celebrates the life-empowering impact of making music.

 

Birdsong has inspired musicians throughout time, from the trills of Vivaldi’s Goldfinch Concerto to Beyonce’s cover of the Beatles’ Blackbird. Now, the Lark Music-Making Competition encourages today’s amateur instrumentalists to take flight with their own interpretations.

Open to anyone over 18, this new national competition invites musicians of any genre, instrument or ability to submit a solo performance of music that is connected to birds, whether through its title, mood, or theme. Performers can interpret existing pieces or submit original compositions, as long as entries are their own personal performance.

Opportunities to elevate music-making are up for grabs, from investing in a long-dreamed-of instrument, upgrading home recording gear, or simply giving time and space to pursue a musical goal. The prizes, of £1,000 across each of three age categories,18-24, 25-39 and 40 plus, can support amateur musicians in taking their creativity further, whatever that means to them.

All finalists will receive a free subscription to Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s 2025/26 Digital Concert series (RRP £170), offering the chance to watch world-class performances online, with 19 broadcasts available live and online for 30 days. The series provides a window into professional music-making for anyone looking to deepen their own practice, try new ideas, or just enjoy great music from home.

A panel of musicians and broadcasters has assembled to hear recordings. They are looking for creativity, expression and musicality. Whether recorded on a smartphone or in a home studio, judges are keen to see originality and personality in the playing.

Presenter Tom Service is one of the UK’s leading classical music broadcasters and writers, known best for his work on BBC Radio 3 and The Guardian. He joins musician Tania Davis from the Electro quartet, Bond – the best-selling group with more than 5 million album sales and 70 platinum and gold albums – and renowned sound engineer and producer Chris Caton who has shone the spotlight on stars spanning all genres, from the BSO’s livestreamed Digital Concert series to the Paris fashion shows of the late Alexander McQueen. Fanatical about all instruments, Lark Music’s Brian Hillstead and Gordana Jevic join the panel along with the BSO’s Principal Cello, Jesper Svedberg, BSO Calleva Assistant Conductor, Enyi Okpara, and Joint Head of BSO Participate, Lucy Warren, who connects the Orchestra’s community-based music-making with thousands of people each year.

The competition is launched by Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra – one of the UK’s leading ensembles – in association with Lark Music Insurance, a specialist music insurer committed to supporting musicians at all levels and the generous sponsor of the competition’s prizes.

The BSO creates a diverse mix of community music initiatives across the South West, from the BSO Young Associate programme – which supports aspiring community music leaders traditionally underrepresented in the classical music sector – to Symphony from Scratch, an inclusive music-making weekend that unites disabled and non-disabled professional and amateur musicians of all ages. Lark Music is a proud supporter of these two programmes.

 

Lark Music-Making Competition Judge and Joint Head of BSO Participate, Lucy Warren, said: “We can’t wait to hear what you’ll do with this brief — the creative possibilities around birds and birdsong are endless. Whether it’s a classical work, jazz or world music, or a brand-new creation, this is all about personality, expression and joy in music-making. However you play, we can’t wait to hear your music.”

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s Chief Executive, Dougie Scarfe OBE, said: “We’re proud to launch the Lark Music-Making Competition with our partners at Lark Music, which will celebrate the millions of people who make music in homes, sheds, churches and community halls across the UK. We see the transformative impact of music every day — this competition is our way of shining a spotlight on that remarkable passion and talent.”

Lark Music Insurance’s Partnership Account Executive, Brian Hillstead, said: “At Lark Music, we believe that musicians should be able to focus on what they love – making music. We’re delighted to work together with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and launch the Lark Music-Making Competition, giving amateur musicians the platform to showcase their creativity. Whether you’re playing for discovery, connection, or joy — this is your moment to be heard and celebrated.”

 

For full details and to enter, visit bsolive.com/Lark – entries close on Wednesday 25 June, at 11.59pm.  

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*Note: £3,000 prize pot is split between three age categories. There is a £1,000 prize for winners in each age group: 18-24, 25-39 and 40 plus.

 

Musicians, broadcasters and producers feature on the judging panel