The first CPO Composers Competition was held at Bunjil Place, Narre Warren on a glorious sunny Sunday 19th February 2023. Local composers were invited to produce short original themed orchestral compositions with a view to them being played in later 2023 shows. Each piece was given 30 minutes rehearsal and final performance with the orchestra. A distinguished panel, and the players, decided the winners.

Fourteen applications were whittled down to the eight finalists:

Werewolf by Paul Berger

Wagner the Werewolf Warrior by Aiden Nguyen

Waltz of the Reaper by George Barsoum

Well-respected Monster by Declan C. Coleman

Haunted House by William Hanna

Warranted Wrath by Samuel Stuchbery

And All the Enchanted Realm of Dream by Oscar Jenkins-Wing

Vanquest by Hannah Hunt

The winners were:

1st Prize George Barsoum

2nd Prize Samuel Stuchbery

3rd Prize William Hanna/Hannah Hunt

We look forward to hearing the pieces again later in the year.

Competition kindly sponsored by City of Casey

Photos by Perren Mortimer