The call for applications is now open!
Created in 1991, the FORUM of NEM brings together young composers under the age of 30 from all over the world on the same stage. For this 15th edition, the NEM resumes its tradition of an international call for applications.
The full program—masterclasses, free concerts, and other events—will be announced in spring 2026. All Forum 2026 activities will take place from October 19 to 24, 2026.
Selection Jury Members
Jury President
Lisa Streich, composer (Sweden)
Jury Members
Georg Friedrich Haas, composer (Austria)
Jean-Michaël Lavoie, artistic and musical director of NEM (Canada)
François Vallières, violist of NEM (Canada)
Deqing Wen, composer (China-Switzerland)
FORUM 2026 SCHEDULE
Six composers will be hosted from October 19 to October 24, 2026, in Montreal. This stay will allow composers to work with the NEM, its musical director Jean-Michaël Lavoie, and Lisa Streich, mentor of FORUM 2026.
ON THE PROGRAM:
- A week of activities entirely open to the public;
- Nine rehearsals (work on the participants' new works);
- Participant profiles and conferences;
- A pre-concert meeting (panel composed of participants);
- A round table (panel composed of jury members);
- A closing concert with the creation of the participants' works.
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
ELIGIBILITY
The call for applications is open until January 7, 2026, inclusive.
- Be 30 years old or younger on January 31, 2026.
SELECTION
The jury will meet in January 2026 to select six candidates.
PARTICIPATION CONDITIONS
Selected composers agree to:
- Write an original work approximately 15 minutes long for the 15 musicians of NEM:
- 1 flute, 1 oboe, 2 clarinets, 1 bassoon,
- 1 trumpet, 1 horn, 1 trombone,
- 1 piano, 1 percussion,
- 2 violins, 1 viola, 1 cello, 1 double bass.
- Send the conductor's score (notated in real sounds) and orchestra materials to NEM by August 31, 2026, at the latest;
- Be present in Montreal for a few days, between October 15 and 24, 2026;
- Participate in activities organized throughout the FORUM;
- Agree that the work written for NEM be premiered in concert at the end of the FORUM;
- Agree that the work be recorded during the concert.
NOTE
- There is no registration fee.
- NEM will cover the stay costs for the six participants.
- Participants will have to bear the transportation costs to Montreal (round trip).
- NEM will support any scholarship application related to the project.
APPLICATION FILE
The file must include:
- The application form below, duly completed;
- A proof of age;
- A curriculum vitae (maximum 3 pages);
- A motivation letter (maximum 1 page);
- Scores and recordings of two works:
- Work for chamber orchestra or small ensemble
- Work of choice (with or without electronics).
Registration Form
Your application must be sent by January 7, 2026, inclusive.
For any questions, contact us : projet [at] lenem [dot] ca (projet[at]lenem[dot]ca)