Eric Ericson Award rules and regulations

Who can apply?

The Eric Ericson Award is open to choir conductors of all nationalities who are 35 years of age or younger at the start of the competition (20 October 2027). The official language of the EEA is English. A basic understanding of the English language is required of all applicants.

Competition structure

The Eric Ericson Award 2027 will take place 20–23 October in Stockholm with two phases: a pre-selection phase based on recordings, and final rounds with eight semi-finalists and three finalists.

Application

The application must include the following:

One document – PDF or Word – with a copy of passport/ID-card, as proof of birthdate.

A second document – PDF or Word – stating:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Full name
- Address
- Phone Number
- Birthdate of applicant
- Applicants living outside Europe who wish to apply for a travel grant should indicate this by writing “Travel Grant” next to their name.*
- URL-links to two video recordings of the applicant’s work:

One video of 8–10 minutes demonstrating a performance (audience not needed) of a piece with a choir or vocal ensemble.
One video of 8–10 minutes from a rehearsal with a choir or vocal ensemble.

The repertoire in the two videos with choir or vocal ensembles must be contrasting – for example one video with classical/romantic repertoire and one with contemporary repertoire.

Further requirements:

Both performances must be a cappella.
In both videos, the conductor's instructions should be spoken in English.
The videos must show the applicant from the front (from the choir’s perspective).
The videos may be shortened but may not be edited in any other way.
The audio must be of good quality.
Application videos should be uploaded to a YouTube account or similar channel (the video must be "unlisted", not "private"). Don't forget to share the URL-links in the first document of your application.
One of the two videos may be made up of two performances, but the total length may not exceed 10 minutes.
Both videos must be recorded in 2026 or 2027, and this must also be clearly indicated in the videos.

*A limited number of travel grants of up to 10 000 SEK are made available by The Royal Swedish Academy of Music to selected semi-finalists travelling from outside Europe. Recipients will be asked to submit a travel receipt (airline ticket). If applications exceed available funds, full reimbursement cannot be guaranteed.

Please submit your application in one e-mail (with your two Word- or PDF-files attached) to ericericsonaward@sverigesradio.se

Deviations from the application requirements may result in disqualification.

The application deadline is 1 February 2027.

Read all rules and regulations

Selection process

The pre-selection will take place in three stages between 1 February and 14 May 2027 by a committee consisting of seven people. These will select eight semi-finalists and four reserves. The results will be announced on 21 May 2027.

Final rounds

Semi-finals will be held 20–21 October 2027 where the participants will conduct two different choirs. This will be followed by the final in Berwaldhallen on 23 October with the Swedish Radio Choir. The programme and order will be drawn for the finalists.

Repertoire

The semi-finals feature works by Bruckner, Nystedt, and Lauridsen, among others, while the final includes works by Lidholm, Forte, and Rautavaara. Swedish and Nordic music have a special role.

The winner receives

The opportunity to perform productions with eleven EBU Media Choirs*, including the RIAS Kammerchor Berlin, the BBC Singers and other leading professional ensembles.

An international platform that can contribute to a long-term career.

100,000 SEK and two runners-up receive 25,000 SEK each, donated by the Rosenborg-Gehrman Foundation.

*EBU Media Choirs

BBC Singers
Chœur de Radio France
RIAS Kammerchor Berlin
MDR-Rundfunkchor
Netherlands Radio Choir
Chor des Bayerischen Rundfunks
Spanish Radio and Television choir
DR Vokalensemble
The Swedish Radio Choir
NDR Rundfunk
Westdeutscher Rundfunk

Judging and rules

All artistic decisions by the jury and the pre-selection committee are final. No correspondence will take place regarding their decisions. The Executive Board is empowered to act with regard to non-artistic matters affecting the competition during the final rounds in Stockholm.

Contact for questions

Linnéa Brorson, Project Manager
E-mail: ericericsonaward@sverigesradio.se
Phone: +46 (0)70-324 45 68

Last but not least

Break a leg!