Call for scores: Young Composers Competition in the US

The winning pieces will be performed at a Chorus Austin concert in the US autumn of 2021 depending on state COVID-19 guidelines.

Composer requirements

• Open to composers of any nationality.
• Composer must be not more than 30 years old at the submission deadline.
• Previous winners, as well as composers directly related to board and staff of Chorus Austin, are not eligible to participate.

Score requirements

• Written for chamber ensemble (approx. 24 voices).
• Five minutes or less.
• A capella or accompanied (if a capella, the piece must include a piano reduction).
• Can be multi-movements, or part of a larger piece.
• Text must be in public domain or if copyrighted, the composer must show proof of permission to submit the piece.
• Texts other than English, Latin, Spanish, French or German must be accompanied by a translation.
• Each composer can submit up to three pieces for consideration.

Submission and selection timeline

• Interested composers can submit their scores here.
• Submissions will be accepted digitally between 1 March to 30 April.
• Winners will be selected by 1 June.

Prizes

Two winners will be selected from the pool of applicants – a first-place winner and a runner-up.

The first-place winner will receive:

• A $1 250 cash prize.
• Two complimentary tickets to each performance, if held live.
• Live recording of the performance of the composition.
• $250 travel reimbursement to attend the premiere performance, if held live (the winner is not required to attend).
• Opportunity to work with maestro Ryan Heller and the Chorus Austin Chamber Ensemble at a scheduled rehearsal before the concerts, either in person or virtually.

The runner-up will receive:

• A $500 cash prize.
• Two complimentary tickets to each performance, if held live.
• Optional live recording of the performance of the composition

For questions or more information about this call or any future Young Composers Competition, email youngcomposer@chorusaustin.org.

View the original call here.