The Willoughby Symphony Orchestra has announced that Australian-Chinese composer Daniel Gao has been awarded the 2026 Young Composer Award.

He takes home a $5,000 cash prize and will see his work premiered by the orchestra in September.

Based in Sydney, Gao is a composer, pianist, zhengist and educator. His music draws upon a diverse set of influences including traditional Chinese music, minimalism, electronic music and prog metal.

His winning work will be performed and recorded on 27 September as a part of the Willoughby Symphony’s Hymn of Praise program.

The Highly Commended Award has been given to Melbourne-based composer Todd Robinson. Drawing on influences including Charles Ives and The Beach Boys, his works contrast nature and urbanism and view music as a space for connection and healing. He was selected for the Grainger Wind Symphony’s 2024 and 2025 Made In Australia Project.

Daniel Gao, Todd Robinson and Yasha Potanin. Photos supplied

Canberra-based composer Yasha Potanin is the recipient of the Encouragement Award.  Currently a Year 12 student, Potanin won the 2025 ABODA Australian National Youth Composition Competition with the work Wake. He writes and arranges original works for school productions and has amassed more...