Orpheus Chamber Composition Contest 2027: Worldwide Trio Scores, $2,000 Top Cash Prize

Composers and eligible works

Orpheus Academy of Music in Austin, Texas, has announced its second annual Composition Contest: Chamber Music for Young Students. Composers of any age and nationality may enter. The performers, not the composers, are young students with roughly three to four years of instrumental experience. Select exactly one ensemble: piano–violin–cello or piano–violin–amplified classical guitar; an electric guitar is specifically prohibited. Musical style is flexible, including classical, jazz, pop, folk and contemporary experimental idioms, provided children can perform the music.

Submission materials and procedure

The piece must be newly composed for this competition, unpublished and never previously performed. Write a coherent suite of three to five movements and around 190–220 measures in total. The accepted rhythms and meters include 3/4, 4/4 and 6/8, with restrictions on fast repeated notes, advanced syncopation and instrumental techniques. There are detailed individual skill lists for piano, guitar, violin and cello. Supply a readable professional full score plus individual instrumental parts, with every composer-identifying mark removed from the score. Follow the email application instructions and submit the separate entry form and payment.

Prizes, costs and rights

Applications are due April 15, 2027; winners are announced June 30. The fee is US$25 for each work, and composers may enter multiple times only by applying and paying separately. First prize is $2,000 cash plus a $1,000 travel allowance to attend the premiere, second $1,000, and third $500. Every compliant entry is promised a recorded performance. A particularly important publishing condition: the organiser states that all submitted compositions will be available for public download from its website. Ask how score distribution is licensed if you need to keep a work unpublished or commercially restricted.

Independent editorial summary of an external call. Check the organiser's current eligibility, score requirements, application deadline, fees, recording/publication permissions and copyright before submitting or paying.

Official source / 公式募集要項: https://www.orpheusacademy.com/composition-contest.html