Composer opportunity directory
Browse open composition competitions, compare deadlines and entry details, or research past calls in the archive.
Open calls
80 open
The Tampa Bay Symphony is announcing a call for scores competition for living composers. One score will be selected for performance on our Spring 2027 concert series.* Finalists will be notified by October 21, 2026 and the symphony will read/rehearse the compositions by the finalists at a public eve
The Dorset Fiddlers are delighted to announce our second annual tune writing competition. Our concerts juxtapose new music alongside tunes from historic Dorset manuscripts and we wish to encourage innovation in a constantly evolving tradition. If you would like to hear your music showcased by the Do
The Henryk Mikołaj Górecki Silesian Philharmonic, in cooperation with the ZAiKS Authors’ Association, is organizing the 4th International Henryk Mikołaj Górecki Composers’ Competition in 2026. The Competition aims to commemorate the Patron of the Philharmonic. The Competition will also promote young
True Concord Voices & Orchestra, Tucson’s two-time Grammy-nominated professional chamber choir and orchestra, seeks scores for its tenth annual Stephen Paulus Emerging Composers Competition. ELIGIBILITY American composers age 18-40 (age as of December 31, 2026) TIMELINE Submission Deadline: Sept
Young Composers Competition Delft 2026/2027 |A New Platform for the Composers of TomorrowThe Young Composers Competition Delft 2026/2027 is a new composition competition for emerging composers from the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg.With a strong focus on artistic development, experimentation,
The cultural movement Renaissance-21 invites composers from all over the world to submit their orchestral works for a historic concert at Carnegie Hall (Zankel Hall) on November 12, 2026. The concert program highlights the world premiere of the Lost Suite in D minor by Sergei Rachmaninoff, together
The Dorset Fiddlers are delighted to announce our second annual tune writing competition. Our concerts juxtapose new music alongside tunes from historic Dorset manuscripts and we wish to encourage innovation in a constantly evolving tradition.If you would like to hear your music showcased by the Dor
The National Young Composers Challenge is now accepting submissions! All composers ages 13-18 living in the United States are eligible to submit their work. Six winning composers will receive cash awards and have their music performed live by members of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra on Sunday,
The competition is open to composers of all nationalities aged 18 and over.Entry to the competition is free.PRIZEThe best composition of an original contemporary aria based on a sacred text will be performed in concert at the San Colombano Music Festival 2027JURYPresident: Stefano Delle Donne, violi
The predecessor of the Shanghai Conservatory of Music（SHCM）, the National Conservatory of Music, was founded in 1927. As China’s first independent institution of higher musical education, the Conservatory will mark its centenary in 2027. In celebration of this occasion, the Shanghai Conservatory of
2026 Debussy International Music Competition opens online to all Instruments, Voices, Conducting, Composition and Chamber Music.Season 4 application deadline: 10th October, 2026Results announcement: 29th October, 2026Apply now at:www.debussycompetition.com
The Festival for Creative Pianists and Abundant Silence invites composers to submit solo piano works for our 2026-27 call for scores. Selected composers will have their works performed by our Pianist in Residence (announcement soon) at our in-person festival in Montpelier, VT (August, 2027), and wil
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