Composer opportunity directory
Browse open composition competitions, compare deadlines and entry details, or research past calls in the archive.
Open calls
80 open
All instruments are welcome. World’s Best Musicians, the world’s largest competition for classical musicians, invites Musicians of all the instruments and voices, chamber ensembles, composers and conductors as well as CD Albums.Out of more than 3657 participants, WBMC awarded as many as 880 people f
Queer Urban Orchestra is pleased to announce its 2027 Vanguard Composers Competition! This program is open to composers of any age who identify as LGBTQ+, from anywhere in the world. The winning work will be performed by Queer Urban Orchestra in June of 2027, and the composer will receive a $1,000 c
PUCCINI International Chamber Opera Composition Competition 2026 ANNOUNCEMENT PUCCINI International Opera Composition Academy Lucca, for the 100th anniversary of Giacomo Puccini's Turandot, is pleased to announce the PUCCINI International Chamber Opera Composition Competition 2026. PROJECT We are se
Berlioz International Music Competition is an online international music competition that aims to fully challenge the virtuosity and artistic excellence of performers. It opens to all Instruments, Voices, Conducting, Composition and Chamber Music, there is no age limit.2026 Season 3The application d
COMPETE FOR INTERNATIONAL DISTINCTION - The Haydn Online Music International Competition (HOMIC) invites instrumentalists, singers, composers, conductors and chamber ensembles worldwide to present their artistry to an international jury.Outstanding participants may receive:✓ Absolute Winner✓ Platin
Composition Competition: The Cambridge Chamber Singers seek original compositions for 4 part mixed chorus. Criteria: Original composition for a cappella, 4-6 part mixed choir, occasional divisi is acceptable; Approximately three to six minutes long; Not previously performed in Massachusetts; All su
The 1st International Composition Competition for Flute Ensembles is open to composers of any age and nationality, with the aim of stimulating, promoting and enhancing musical creativity for these particular ensembles. The jury, comprising internationally renowned musical figures, each with their ow
Clementi International Music Competition is an online competition welcoming various categories including instruments, vocals, conducting, compositions, creative video, film music, creative music writing and chamber music.Season 3 Application Deadline: 15 September 2026Website: https://www.clementico
The 1st International Composition Competition for Flute Ensembles is open to composers of any age and nationality, with the aim of stimulating, promoting and enhancing musical creativity for these particular ensembles. All entries received will be assessed by a jury comprising three renowned musicia
Eligibility The competition is open to composers of all nationalities and ages. Regulation Compositions may be written for: Solo, Chamber Music, Orchestra, Electronics, Voice, Mixed Media, Ethnic or Traditional Instruments Works from all contemporary classical styles are accepted, including: Cont
The 3rd Berlin Composition Prize 2026 (Duo) is looking for bold voices, fresh sounds, and new musical ideas. We want to hear music that crosses boundaries – stylistically, culturally, emotionally. If you compose because you have to – this is for you.Berlin invites you. No labels. No limitations. Jus
Nuova Consonanza announces the 28th edition of the Franco Evangelisti International Composition Competition, dedicated to the memory of one of the most active animators and founding members of the Association. The 2026 edition is dedicated to compositions for string quartet. Composers of any age and
Past listings
22 archived
First Prize: $10,000 USDSecond Prize: $6,000 USDEligibility: Composers residing in the United States, age 18-26 on the deadline for submission, September 1, 2026. Previous winners, as well as faculty and staff of the University of Louisville and their spouses and children are not eligible to enter.
COmpass REsonance (CORE)—an internationally acclaimed ensemble led by Zachary Carrettin and Mina Gajic—is seeking an original, unperformed work for conductorless string orchestra, offering a $3,000 prize and the possibility of a world premiere performance by CORE.The competition is open to composers
The PRIX ARS ADRIA Awards are dedicated to honoring artistic excellence and innovation across the field of contemporary classical music. The inaugural 2026 edition is open to both emerging and established artists, with the aim of highlighting exceptional artistic achievements, original works, and ou
Composition Competition for Irish ComposersIn the framework of the Irish EU Presidency, the Brussels Chamber Ensemble, a symphonic orchestra composed of 60 musicians, is launching a Composition Competition for Irish Composers, in official cooperation with the Irish Embassy of Brussels and the Irish
The Church of the Blessed Sacrament Competition in Liturgical Composition seeks to foster new music for the Roman Rite. There are no nationality restrictions; applicants must be 18 years of age or older. Submission Requirements The work may comprise any combination of vocal forces from a min
Dedicated to nurturing emerging talent, the Young Composer Initiative is a global contest established in 2022 that champions the creation of innovative wind band compositions by aspiring composers worldwide. The YCI provides: a live performance premiere, a free recording, invitations to serve as a g
THE 11th MATAN GIVOL INTERNATIONAL COMPOSERS COMPETITIONCompositions for 5-14 instruments from the following - One each unless otherwise indicated: Flute (doubling piccolo, alto flute and bass flute), oboe (doubling english horn), clarinet (doubling bass clarinet), bassoon, trumpet, horn, trombone,
What is the SwanSongS Fund? Dr. Phillip A. Swan, has established himself as a supporter and promoter of new choral compositions. To honor his 15th anniversary season as Artistic Director of NEWVoices, we established the SwanSongS Fund. This fund will support an ongoing choral composition competition
Carl Reinecke International Music Competition is an online international music competition that aims to fully challenge the virtuosity and artistic excellence of performers. It opens to all Instruments, Voices, Conducting, Composition and Chamber Music, there is no age limit.2026 Season 3 Applicatio
The Brazosport Symphony Orchestra (BSO), located in Lake Jackson, Texas, is sponsoring a competition for student and amateur composers. PRIZE The BSO will feature the winning composition in a public performance. RULES • Entries shall be original compositions between six and ten minutes in duration.
TRUE CONCORD ANNOUNCES ITS SECOND ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CAROL COMPETITION True Concord Voices & Orchestra, Tucson’s Two-Time Grammy-nominated ensemble, seeks new, unpublished Christmas works for its December 2026 Lessons & Carols by Candlelight Concerts and/or its Holiday Special. The winning pie
We invite all musicians worldwide — including all instruments, voices, composers, and ensembles — to take part in a refined international artistic experience.With five successful editions and over 1,400 distinguished participants, the competition has established itself as a respected platform for ar