Composers of all nationalities, ages, genders, and backgrounds are invited to submit proposals for three commissions: the Azrieli Commission for Jewish Music, the Azrieli Commission for Canadian Music and the Azrieli Commission for International Music
Toronto, ON, Canada, February 5, 2026 – The Azrieli Music, Arts and Culture Centre (AMACC) has opened its Call for Proposals for the 2028 Azrieli Music Prizes (AMP). Created in 2014 by Dr. Sharon Azrieli CQ for the Azrieli Foundation, the Azrieli Music Prizes celebrate excellence in music composition. From February 4 through May 6, 2026, composers are encouraged to submit proposals for three commissions: the Azrieli Commission for Jewish Music, the Azrieli Commission for Canadian Music, and the Azrieli Commission for International Music. The Prizes are open to composers of all nationalities, genders, faiths and backgrounds, and it is completely free to apply.
“With each Azrieli Music Prizes cycle, we ask composers to deeply engage with a specific set of questions tied to each Prize theme,” says Sharon Azrieli, who is the Chair of the Azrieli Music, Arts and Culture Centre and a Board Member of the Azrieli Foundation. “In return, AMP offers one of the most generous prize packages in the world to launch their music into the repertoire. With nearly 400 composers applying to our previous cycle, this formula is clearly resonating. I look forward to meeting the 2028 laureates!”
For its seventh biennial cycle, AMP specifically seeks proposals for chamber music works, for up to 15 musicians. The eventual prize-winning commissions will be premiered by Le Nouvel Ensemble Moderne at the AMP Concert Gala in Autumn 2028 in Montréal. The world premiere is just one component of the AMP prize package, valued at over CAD $250,000 — the most substantial of its kind in Canada. Laureates also receive a cash award of CAD $50,000, two subsequent international performances and a commercial recording of their work. The composers selected as the 2028 laureates will be notified in late Summer 2026 and announced publicly in Autumn 2026.
The Prizes
The Azrieli Music Prizes are awarded to the composers who display the utmost artistry, technical mastery and professional expertise in response to the Prize theme.
The Azrieli Commission for Jewish Music is open to composers worldwide with the aim of encouraging creative and critical engagement with the question ‘What is Jewish Music?’
The Azrieli Commission for Canadian Music is open to all Canadian composers with the aim of encouraging a deep engagement with the complexities of composing music in Canada today.
The Azrieli Commission for International Music is awarded to a composer who engages in a profound exploration of cultural expression that has a meaningful connection to their lived experience.
The Azrieli Prize for Jewish Music — a discovery prize for an existing work of Jewish music, previously awarded alongside the above commissions — is being transitioned off to its own, separate cycle that will more fully address its main objectives. More details will be announced later this year
About the Azrieli Music Prizes
Created in 2014 by Dr. Sharon Azrieli CQ for the Azrieli Foundation, the biennial Azrieli Music Prizes (AMP) offers opportunities for discovering, creating, performing and celebrating excellence in music composition. Open to the international music community, AMP accepts nominations for works from individuals of all ages, nationalities, faiths and genders, which are then submitted to its expert juries through an open call for proposals.
Past Azrieli Music Prizes Laureates are Hana Ajiashvili, Nicholas Denton Protsack, Adrian Mocanu and Dalit Hadass Warshaw (2026); Josef Bardanashvili, Yair Klartag, Jordan Nobles and Juan Trigos (2024); Iman Habibi, Aharon Harlap and Rita Ueda (2022); Keiko Devaux, Yotam Haber and Yitzhak Yedid (2020); Avner Dorman and Kelly-Marie Murphy (2018); and Brian Current and Wlad Marhulets (2016).
To apply, or for more information, full application guidelines, information about the Prize juries and biographies of past Laureates please visit azrielifoundation.org/amp.
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Media Contact:
Caroline Finane, Director of Publicity
8VA Music Consultancy
caroline@8vamusicconsultancy.com
