Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra joins forces with Lark Music Insurance for new competition

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO) has joined forces with specialist music insurer Lark Music Insurance to launch a new music competition. Applications for the inaugural Lark Music-Making Competition are now open, offering UK instrumentalists the opportunity to compete for prizes of £1,000 across three age categories: 18-24, 25-39 and 40 plus.

Open to anyone over 18, the new competition invites musicians of any genre, instrument or ability to upload a solo performance of music – existing or original – that is connected to birds, whether through its title, mood, or theme. Application for the competition is free, and submissions remain open for until 25 June.

BSO 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.’

Submissions will be reviewed by a judging panel including writer and BBC Radio 3 presenter Tom Service, musician Tania Davis from the Bond Electro quartet and sound engineer and producer Chris Caton. BSO representation on the panel will come from principal cello Jesper Svedberg, Calleva assistant conductor Enyi Okpara, and Lucy Warren, joint head of BSO Participate. The panel will be completed by Lark Music’s Brian Hillstead and Gordana Jevic.

The panel is specifically looking for ‘creativity, expression and musicality’, plus ‘originality and personality’. All finalists will receive a free subscription to BSO’s 2025/26 Digital Concert series (usually £170).

Lark Music Insurance 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.’