World’s leading competition for choral conductors – the Eric Ericson Award 2027 opens for applications

The Eric Ericson Award is one of the world’s most prestigious competitions for young choral conductors under the age of 36, with strong international recognition and high artistic ambitions. The prize offers the next generation of conductors a unique springboard to an international career and continues the legacy of Eric Ericson and the standard he established within the international choral world. 

From the applicants, eight semifinalists are selected by an international jury. These are invited to Stockholm to compete in the semifinals and final. Three conductors advance to the final, where they conduct the Swedish Radio Choir at Berwaldhallen, the Swedish Radio Concert Hall. In the semifinals, the competitors work with the Eric Ericson Chamber Choir and Allmänna Sången from Uppsala. 

News for the Eric Ericson Award 2027
Participants from countries outside Europe who qualify for the semifinals may apply for travel grants through the Royal Swedish Academy of Music. 

The winner receives:
• the opportunity to carry out productions with eleven European Broadcasting Union (EBU) Media Choirs, including the RIAS Kammerchor Berlin, BBC Singers, Swedish Radio Choir and other leading professional ensembles
• a prize of SEK 100,000
• an international platform that can support a long-term career

The Eric Ericson Award aims to identify, encourage and support young, exceptionally talented conductors in the spirit of Eric Ericson and to contribute to a continued high artistic standard within the international choral scene. The competition is organised by Berwaldhallen in collaboration with the Royal Swedish Academy of Music, with support from the Rosenborg Gehrmans Foundation and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). 

Eric Ericson was Chief Conductor of the Swedish Radio Choir for more than 30 years and a central figure in the development of modern choral life in Sweden and internationally. By premiering contemporary works and collaborating closely with composers, he established a new artistic standard for choral sound and conducting. As a teacher at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm and through his international work, he shaped generations of conductors and established himself as one of the most important role models in the choral world. 

Key dates
Applications open: 19 May 2026
Application deadline: 1 February 2027 

Facts about the competition
• International competition for choral conductors under 36
• Eight participants are selected for the competition in Stockholm
• The final takes place at Berwaldhallen with the Swedish Radio Choir
• The winner is chosen by an international jury consisting of distinguished conductors and previous prize winners
• The competition is held every three years 

– The Eric Ericson Award has given me extraordinary opportunities. Working with professional choirs across Europe has been a great joy and has deepened my appreciation of the continent’s diverse choral cultures. Meeting so many dedicated people who strive to serve music and inspire audiences has left me feeling both grateful and humble, not least thanks to the supportive and generous atmosphere throughout the competition, says Alexander Lüken, winner of the Eric Ericson Award 2024.

– This award is our way of encouraging young, talented conductors to work in the spirit of Eric Ericson – with a passion for tradition as well as curiosity in exploring contemporary music. Today, the Swedish Radio commissions more new music than anyone else in Sweden. This is a way for us to support a strong regeneration of choral music and choral conductors,” says Staffan Becker, General Manager of the Swedish Radio Concert Hall, Berwaldhallen. 

– The Eric Ericson Award is intended to be a competition for young, talented choral conductors from all over the world. To ensure that high travel costs do not hinder participation, the Royal Swedish Academy of Music now offers travel grants for applicants from outside Europe – a step towards a more global competition.” says Fredrik Wetterqvist, Permanent Secretary of the Royal Swedish Academy of Music