More than 60 young Bay of Plenty musicians are tuning up to compete in the annual New Zealand Community Trust Chamber Music Contest.

Run by Chamber Music New Zealand, it is the country's longest running youth music contest and the only nationwide chamber music competition for young musicians and composers.

A total of 62 young musicians will be competing at the Tauranga district competition of the annual New Zealand Community Trust Chamber Music Contest. Photo: CMNZ

Fifteen ensembles involving 62 musicians from around the Bay of Plenty and Taupo regions will compete in the Tauranga District Contest at Bethlehem College Performing Arts Centre today.

Their eyes will be on securing spots at the National Final to be held on in Wellington on August 2, but to get there they'll need to make it through the Northern Regional and National Semi-finals first.

CMNZ chief executive Peter Walls is delighted with entry numbers for the 2015 Contest saying they show there is still strong interest and support for chamber music in schools.

'This is excellent news in the 50th Jubilee year for the contest,” says Peter. 'Overall throughout New Zealand, 476 ensembles of between three and eight musicians including 19 octets and involving almost 1800 students, will compete for spots in the National Finals.”

Each member of the winning group at the National Final receives the James Wallace Arts Trust Prize of $1000.

Also this year 20 young composers have submitted work for judging in the Original Composition section, with eight entered in the Junior Composer category. Kiwi composer Leonie Holmes will select the winning scores

The winner of the senior competition will be awarded the SOUNZ prize of $500, while the junior winner will receive $100 plus a $50 SOUNZ voucher.

The New Zealand Community Trust Chamber Music Contest's Tauranga District Competition takes place at Bethlehem College Performing Arts Centre today from 9.30am to 1.30pm.

For more details visit Chamber Music New Zealand's website at: www.chambermusic.co.nz