Epic Montreux 2027: CHF 40 Film-and-Game Music Composition Call Closes 8 November
A live orchestral opportunity for cinematic composers
Epic Montreux has opened an international composition competition for its March 2027 festival in Switzerland. Applicants write one new original four-to-five-minute orchestral or hybrid-orchestral work incorporating choir. The work must make substantial use of the orchestra rather than merely place a synthetic background behind a solo track. The application deadline is 8 November 2026 at 23:59 Central European Time. The entry fee is CHF40 for one submission per composer.
The jury has strong screen and game-music connections
The public jury includes Russell Brower, known for audio leadership on World of Warcraft, Diablo and other major videogame properties and more recently CD PROJEKT RED; composer Alex Moukala; film-music collective 2WEI; conductor Ludwig Wicki and other professional collaborators. These names make the call relevant to composers interested in film, game and narrative orchestral music. However, this contest awards a live festival performance, not an automatic music-placement contract with any of those companies.
Recording, selection and expenses
Applicants must upload an MP3 mock-up of their score at a minimum of 128 kbps and complete the official form and payment. The rules require genuinely original music produced by the applicant and prohibit generative AI in the submitted composition. The work is assessed anonymously. Three finalists are expected to be announced on 16 December and have their works professionally orchestrated and performed by an ensemble of more than 200 artists at the Auditorium Stravinski on 5–6 March 2027. Travel is supported up to CHF900, alongside accommodation and meals; the winner's separate prize has not yet been specified.
Organiser and rights considerations
The contest is presented by Epic Montreux/HELVEPIC, whose official page includes an event programme, jury biographies and downloadable artistic and contractual regulations. Because work may be orchestrated by another professional before public performance, composers should check copyright, publishing, recording and arrangement permissions very carefully. The CHF40 entry fee should not be confused with guaranteed reimbursement of international travel or an announced winner cash prize.
Official organiser rules and entry
Checked 23 October 2026. Reconfirm the current deadline, repertoire, eligibility, financial conditions and contact details with the organiser before applying.