The NMGCS V International Composition Competition

Application DeadlineJuly 1, 2026

Application Fee$10 (non-refundable)

EligibilityOpen to composers of all nationalities with no age restrictions

Composition Requirements

• One original composition

• For solo instrument or small ensemble (up to 5 performers)

• Based on one or more pre-selected Turkic nations’ folk songs(additional Turkic folk songs may also be used)

• Vocal works accepted (up to 2 voices; total performers ≤ 5)

• Maximum duration: 15 minutes

• No stylistic limitations

• Title must reflect the source folk song

• Composer’s name must not appear in the score (blind jury)

Permitted Instruments

• Piano

• Violin (up to 2)

• Viola

• Cello

• Double bass

• Flute

• Clarinet or oboe

• Voice (up to 2: soprano, mezzo-soprano, tenor, baritone)

Application Materials

• PDF score

• MP3 recording (MIDI realizations accepted)

• Short bio or CV

• $10 entry fee

• One composition per applicant

Judging

• Blind jury of distinguished composers

• Jury decisions are final

• Results announced September 18, 2026

• Results published internationally

Prizes

• 1st Prize: $2,000 + Certificate of Excellence + performance at Lincoln Center (Bruno Walter Auditorium, New York)

• 2nd Prize: $1,000 + certificate + performance

• 3rd Prize: $500 + certificate + performance