Call for submissions: Alvarez Chamber Orchestra competition

Composers around the world are encouraged to submit original works of any duration and scale – from a solo piece to chamber orchestra. All scores must be submitted electronically as PDF files to the competition administrator, Trevor Huntley, at trevor.huntley@btinternet.com.

The submission deadline is 30 September.

The first prize is £1 000 (about $1 300) while the winner of The Mullord Award will walk away with £500. In addition to the prizes, there is the possibility of a performance by the Álvarez Chamber Orchestra at a future season.

Requirements

• There is no specification as to the length or nature of the work.
• If electronics are used, if not notated conventionally and fully in the score, a CD or MP3 should be supplied.
• A recording of the work should also be submitted if the score is notated graphically or in any other unconventional format.
• There is no restriction on the number of works submitted by each composer, but each piece will incur the same entry fee of £26.
• The work may be a new piece or may have been written at any time in the composer’s career.
• Each piece should have only its title printed on the cover. The identity of the composer, including address, email, phone number, biography, photograph and programme notes should be placed in a separate sealed envelope also marked with the same title.
• The electronic version of the score should have only its title displayed on the front page and there should be no mention of the composer's name or include any markings by which the composer could be identified.
• A second and separate email should be sent at the same time as the score submission and this should include the identity of the composer, their address, email, contact telephone number, short biography, photograph and programme notes. No hard copies of scores will be accepted.
• Payments may be made via PayPal here. If entering the details via PayPal independently of this link, use this email address alvarezchamberorchestra@yahoo.com.
• Composers submitting their scores via a link on a file-sharing site such as Dropbox should ensure the files remain uploaded until receipt of the written adjudication following the conclusion of the competition. All entries that the ACO receives will be acknowledged prior to adjudication. Composers will be notified if any files of an electronic submission are corrupt or missing. It is the responsibility of the composer to provide the ACO with PDF files that can be opened. If the composer is unable to supply the requested downloadable and readable files within the time limits detailed above, the entry will be deemed disqualified.

The maximum size of the orchestra is as follows:

• Two flutes (second doubling piccolo).
• Two oboes (second doubling cor anglais).
• Two clarinets (second doubling bass clarinet).
• Two bassoons (second doubling contrabassoon).
• Two horns.
• Trumpet.
• Trombone.
• Tuba.
• Timpani (doubling second percussionist).
• Percussion (one player).
• Harp.
• Guitar.
• Any keyboard.
• Eight violins.
• Four violas.
• Four cellos.
• Two double basses.
• Minimum specification is a single performer.

View the original call here.