Supernova Competition for Young Chamber Music Ensembles – Belgium

Deadline: 05-Nov-2026

Supernova is a competition for young Belgian chamber music ensembles offering opportunities for recognition, professional stage experience, media exposure, and a concert tour across Belgium. The competition celebrates originality, artistic identity, and innovative performance approaches while encouraging ensembles to explore both Western and non-Western musical traditions.

About Supernova

Supernova is designed to provide emerging chamber music ensembles with opportunities to develop their careers and gain experience in professional musical environments. The competition encourages participants to present distinctive artistic identities and explore a broad range of musical traditions. While the repertoire should be based on contemporary or classical music, ensembles are encouraged to experiment with creative arrangements and combinations of different genres. What Do Participants Receive? Participating ensembles can benefit from several professional development and performance opportunities, including: - Recognition within the Belgian music sector. - Professional stage experience. - Media exposure. - Opportunities to connect with experienced programmers. - Feedback on their artistic work. - Performances in professional venues and contexts. - Opportunities to develop their artistic identity. The competition is intended to help young ensembles gain visibility and build connections that can support their future careers. Opportunities for the Four Finalists The four finalist ensembles receive a range of performance and promotional opportunities.

Each finalist will:

- Receive media coverage through Klara and Musiq3. - Perform on stage at DE SINGEL. - Become eligible for the Supernova National Lottery Audience Award of €1,000. The finalist stage provides ensembles with an opportunity to present their work to professional audiences while gaining valuable media exposure. Prizes for the Two Winners Two winning ensembles are crowned Supernova.

The winning ensembles receive:

- A concert tour across Belgium. - A starting performance at Klarafestival. - A professional recording of their concert. - A recording that can be used for promotional purposes. - Extensive media exposure. - Additional opportunities to build professional recognition. The concert tour provides the winners with valuable experience performing in different professional contexts across Belgium. Musical Repertoire Supernova encourages ensembles to explore diverse musical traditions and develop original approaches to performance. The repertoire should be based on contemporary classical music, while creative arrangements and genre blending are encouraged.

Participants can explore

- Western musical traditions. - Non-Western musical traditions. - Contemporary classical repertoire. - Creative arrangements. - Cross-genre approaches. - Innovative performance concepts. The competition places importance on originality and a distinctive artistic identity. Artistic Identity and Innovation Supernova values ensembles that demonstrate a clear artistic personality. Applicants are encouraged to think creatively about their repertoire and performance approach rather than simply presenting conventional chamber music programmes. Originality, innovative interpretation, and the ability to develop a distinctive musical identity are important aspects of the competition. Who Can Apply? Eligible ensembles must meet specific requirements regarding size, age, location, and professional training.

An eligible ensemble must:

- Consist of 2 to 6 members. - Have an average age of no more than 30. - Have the majority of members residing in Belgium. - Have all members professionally trained in music. The requirements are intended to focus the competition on emerging professional chamber music ensembles in Belgium. Ensemble Size and Age Requirement Supernova is open to small chamber music ensembles consisting of between 2 and 6 members. The ensemble’s average age must not exceed 30 years. This makes the competition particularly relevant for young musicians who are building professional careers and developing their identity as an ensemble. Professional Music Training All members of the ensemble must have received professional music training. Applicants should therefore ensure that every member meets the professional training requirement before submitting an entry. Location Requirement The majority of ensemble members must reside in Belgium. This requirement ensures that the competition primarily supports young Belgian-based chamber music ensembles. Key Details at a Glance

- Competition: Supernova

- Location: Belgium

- Target participants: Young chamber music ensembles

- Ensemble size: 2–6 members

- Average age: 30 or younger

- Residency: Majority of members must reside in Belgium

- Training: All members must have professional music training

- Repertoire: Contemporary classical music

- Creative approach: Creative arrangements and genre blending encouraged

- Finalists: Four ensembles

- Audience Award: €1,000

- Winners: Two ensembles

- Winner benefit: Belgian concert tour beginning at Klarafestival

- Recording: Professional concert recording for promotional use

- Media exposure: Klara and Musiq3, plus extensive winner coverage

Frequently Asked Questions What is Supernova? Supernova is a competition for young Belgian chamber music ensembles that provides opportunities for professional performances, recognition, media exposure, feedback, and career development. How many musicians can an eligible ensemble have? An ensemble must have between 2 and 6 members. What is the age requirement? The ensemble’s average age must not exceed 30. Do all ensemble members need professional music training? Yes. All members must have received professional music training. Do most ensemble members need to live in Belgium? Yes. The majority of ensemble members must reside in Belgium. What type of music should ensembles perform? The repertoire should be based on contemporary cl