Sanders Society Competition

Gloucester Cathedral has been 'home' to a number of renowned musicians over the centuries, including John Sanders who was Organist here between 1967-1994. He composed 'The Reproaches', which is held as one of the 20th century's most evocative pieces of church music and is performed by choirs around the world.

Following John Sanders’s death in 2003, the Sanders Society was formed  and regularly since then - corresponding with the Three Choirs Festival - organises a successful and prestigious competition for young composers, drawing entries from all over the world.

 There is an £1,000 prize on offer, as well as the prospect of a possible publishing contract, and the opportunity to hear the winning composition performed by one of the country’s finest cathedral choirs during the Three Choirs Festival week.  

 Details of the 2023 competition can be found on the Society’s website by clicking on the button below.

 If any members of our Cathedral community know of a budding young composer who might be interested in this exciting opportunity, please do pass on the information.