Composer Incubator 2026
Allegra Chamber Orchestra is excited to announce the return of Composer INC, a tuition-free five-month creative incubator created exclusively for Canadian female-identifying composers.
From July to November 2026, participants will engage in a dynamic program of mentorship, workshops, networking, and artistic development while creating a brand-new chamber work for performance.
Designed to support composers at a pivotal stage in their artistic journey, Composer INC offers access to experienced mentors, industry professionals, and a national network of peers. Participants will explore topics ranging from artistic leadership and collaboration to project development and career sustainability.
The program culminates in November 2026 with the premiere of new works created during the incubator and performed by Allegra Chamber Orchestra in Vancouver.
Composer INC is more than a professional development program—it's an investment in the future of Canadian women in composition, creating space for artistic exploration, meaningful connections, and new creative possibilities.
Guest mentors and presenters for 2026 will be announced shortly!
APPLY BY: July 13, 2026 — 11:59pm PST
DECISION BY: End of July 2026
Throughout the program, the composer cohort will have the opportunity to work directly with the award-winning Allegra Chamber Orchestra and Artistic Director and Conductor Janna Sailor. Through reading sessions, workshops, mentorship, and artistic discussions, participants will gain valuable insight into the collaborative process between composer, conductor, and performers. This hands-on engagement allows composers to refine their works in real time, receive practical feedback from professional musicians, and develop a deeper understanding of writing effectively for chamber ensembles.
At the core of the program is the creation of a new chamber work developed over the course of the incubator. Composers will receive artistic guidance and feedback throughout the creative process, culminating in the world premiere of their newly created works by Allegra Chamber Orchestra in November 2026.
Composer INC 2026 is delivered primarily in a virtual format, allowing composers from across Canada to participate regardless of geographic location. Where feasible, in-person mentorship opportunities may also be available, depending on the location of participants and mentors.
Throughout the five-month incubator, composers will work closely with mentors, industry professionals, the award-winning Allegra Chamber Orchestra, and Artistic Director and Conductor Janna Sailor. Through workshops, reading sessions, artistic discussions, and individualized feedback, participants will gain practical experience in the collaborative process of bringing new works to life.
The program culminates in a featured concert on November 26, 2026, at The Annex in Vancouver, British Columbia, where newly created works developed during the incubator will receive their world premieres by Allegra Chamber Orchestra.
Due to the funding model that supports Composer INC, the program is open exclusively to Canadian citizens and permanent residents who identify as women. Applicants from all regions of Canada are encouraged to apply.
Tuition for selected participants is fully sponsored by Allegra in order to make the program accessible, but participants must cover their own travel and accommodation to/from Vancouver for the live performance in November.
Application Tip:
Check out this application preview BEFORE filling out your application through our google form. This will allow you to accurately gather all the supplemental links and documents that you need before sending your application in. Please double check that all fields are filled in, and that you are eligible for the project before filling out the application.