Franco Carillon Composition Contest 2026: Free Worldwide Scores, $2,000 Top Prize, Deadline 1 November
A specialist instrument with international participation
The Guild of Carillonneurs in North America (GCNA) invites composers from around the world to send an original piece for solo carillon by 1 November 2026. There is no application fee. A carillon consists of tuned bronze bells played from a keyboard and pedalboard in a tower; writing for it differs substantially from arranging for a piano or keyboard synthesizer. Applicants may submit one work only, and previous first- or second-prize winners from 2025 are excluded.
Instrument range and what makes a valid score
The regulations specify a carillon playable on a four-octave instrument with the low C-sharp absent, and a two-octave pedalboard. The organiser permits transpositions or substitutions for a 48-bell instrument and welcomes scores written for two- or three-octave systems. Works previously performed, published or awarded elsewhere are ineligible. The contest also excludes music generated wholly or substantially by AI; applicants must disclose any AI use according to the declaration supplied by the committee.
An anonymous score, not a recording competition
Applicants remove identifying details from the score and send it with contact information and the required AI-use declaration by email to the organisation's published contest address. First prize is US$2,000 and second prize US$1,000, with publication and world premiere at the GCNA congress in 2027. Additional performance awards are valued at US$150. These are jury prizes; submitting an eligible piece does not guarantee a performance or payment.
Established musical organisation
GCNA is a professional guild with publications, carillon history, contest archives and educational information. The Franco competition is named for composer Johan Franco and has been held since 1988, so there is an identifiable tradition and official rules. Newcomers to carillon writing can consult the guild's Proposal Contest as a separate route rather than assume one identical set of materials fits both.
Official organiser application and primary-source information
Information researched on 23 October 2026. Check the organiser's current primary-source instructions, local closing time, rights, cost and legal eligibility before applying or paying.