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

He takes away 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 than 20 million views and an online following for his music-related content across social media.

More about the Young Composer Award can be found here.