Call for Composers - LAMP Composition Academy 2026
Faculty: Matthias McIntire, Dinuk Wijerante, Roydon Tse, Blackwood Trio (Composer/Performer-in-Residence)
Dates: June 8 - 21
Deadline to Apply: Wednesday, 15 April, 2026.
Spend two weeks in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, this June working with celebrated & enthusiastic composers and educators: Matthias McIntire, Roydon Tse, and Dinuk Wijeratne. This year is a special edition of the Academy in that we welcome the Blackwood Trio (Jeff Reilly, Peter Togni, India Gailey) as both performers and guest composition faculty.
You’ll compose a 5–8 minute work for the Blackwood Trio (bass clarinet, cello, piano) to be premiered in an evening of world premieres at LAMP’s Concert Hall, writing specifically for musicians who are acclaimed improvisers.
This limited enrollment program (maximum eight participants) is open to composers with at least one degree in composition aged 35 and under. Exceptionally talented undergrads will be considered with a reference letter from a current mentor and/or professor. With limited spaces available, we encourage you to apply early. Those who do not fit program criteria will be welcome to audit classes.
Matthias Mcintire draws on classical, jazz, improvisation, and electronic traditions in his work. He is the winner of the 2021 Karen Kieser Prize in Canadian Music and teaches composition at Dalhousie University.
Roydon Tse explores themes of climate change, grief, and cultural identity in his music. Named one of CBC Music’s “Top 30 Under 30,” his work has been performed by leading ensembles including the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.
Dinuk Wijeratne blends classical, jazz, and global influences with his boundary-crossing work. A JUNO and SOCAN award-winner, he has performed internationally and directs orchestral studies at the University of Ottawa.
Blackwood’s dark, lyrical sound combines the precision and clarity of a classical ensemble with the expressive freedom of contemporary jazz. Bass clarinetist Jeff Reilly, pianist/organist Peter-Anthony Togni, and JUNO-nominated cellist India Gailey draw on plainchant, European jazz, and contemporary classical techniques to create a deeply connected sound critics have called “sonically haunting.”
More information and the application form is available on our website: https://www.lampns.ca/composition
If you have any questions don't hesitate to reach out - info@lampns.ca
Application Requirements
Brief Cover Letter
Composition C.V.
Two-scores and relevant recordings (MIDI is fine)
$40 Application Fee
Reference letter (undergraduate applicants)