THE MUSICA BRITANNICA TRUST: LEWIS MEMORIAL PRIZE COMPETITION 2026

Founded by the Musica Britannica Trust in 1986 in memory of Sir Anthony Lewis, MB’s first General Editor and Chair, the Lewis Memorial Prize Competition now commemorates the lives of both Sir Anthony and his wife Lesley, Lady Lewis, who supported it for many years. A generous bequest from Lady Lewis has enabled the competition to continue as an annual event, held alternately for singers, keyboard players, or consorts.

Applications are now invited for the 2026 Competition, which is for keyboard players and will be held at the Royal Academy of Music, London, on 9 April 2026.

The Competition will be judged by the distinguished historical keyboard player Davitt Moroney, together with three members of the Editorial Committee of Musica Britannica.

Up to three prizes will be awarded: the performer awarded First Prize will receive £2,000, the Second Prize will be £1,000, and the Third £500.  All winners will also receive three Musica Britannica volumes of their own choice.

The Competition is open to students currently registered at a UK higher-education institution (university or conservatoire), and to early-career performers who have graduated from such an institution no more than five years before the date of the competition.

Full details of the application process and eligibility are available here. The deadline for receipt of applications, letters of recommendation and audition video recordings is Friday 5 December 2025. All enquiries should be sent by email to the competition administrator, Rachel Stott (lewismemorialprize@gmail.com). RMA members are encouraged to distribute this call for applications to all undergraduate, postgraduate and early career performers they believe to be eligible.