The composers are finalists in the 2010 Royal School of Church Music (ACT branch) Composition Competition, with two finalists from NSW – Wagga’s Adrian Wintle and Kim Manton – as well as three from the ACT and one from SA.

Their music will be performed in a free public concert at St John’s Anglican Church on Saturday, starting at 2pm.

Judge will be the former presenter of the ABC’s For The God Who Sings program Kay McLennan.

The finalists’ music will be performed by visiting RSCM singers in conjunction with the St John’s choir. In addition, choral and instrumental music by visiting and local performers will be included.

This is the fourth annual composition competition organised by the RSCM (ACT) but the first time the event has been staged outside Canberra.

RSCM chairperson Dr Gemma Dashwood said the decision to visit Wagga has been warmly wlecomed by the Canberra committee and the organisation’s national body.

“We are absolutely delighted to come to Wagga,” Dr Dashwood said.

“Wagga composers have supported the competition since its inception in 2007. And this year there are two Wagga-based composers among the six finalists.”

“We had 13 entries this year - the biggest number yet.

“The set text this year is Hymn to the Virgin, and it will be fascinating to hear each composer’s approach to the words.”

Visitors to Wagga on Saturday will also include prominent Australian composer Ann Carr-Boyd and singer Corinne Laird.

The concert is free and afternoon tea will be served at the conclusion of the event.