Calls for scores and composer competitions are one of the few ways both emerging and established composers can receive recognition for their work. However, there are so many competitions, and many with submission fees, that it can seem overwhelming before you even dip your toe in.

We here at See-A-Dot Music wish to alleviate that. Below are just a few of the calls and competitions that focus on new choral music, do not have submission fees, and are currently accepting scores.

The Khorikos International New Music Competition

NYC-based vocal ensemble Khorikos just put out information for the Ortus International New Music Competition, a competition calling strictly for new, mixed acapella work that is less than 15 minutes long. The group will select 10 new pieces to perform in a concert at The Shrine Church of St. Anthony of Padua in NYC in September 2017. All scores are due on April 1st and the winners will be selected in June 2017.

More information regarding the competition can be found here.

Call for Scores from Diamonds from the Dust

Diamonds from the

Dust, a professional chamber choir based out of Worcester, MA, released a call for scores that will be performed in June of 2017. The only restrictions they have on pieces are that they must be in English, must be acapella, and must be accessible to a general audience. The deadline to submit is February 4th, 2017.

You can find more information about the call for scores and Diamonds from the Dust here.

Polyphonos

The Esoterics, a Seattle-based vocal ensemble, just announced Polyphonos, a composer competition where the winner receives a commission from the Esoterics for a piece to be performed in 2018, and $1000 plus airfare and accommodations to attend the premiere of the piece. Composers must submit portfolios with at least 3 scores for choir from the past 10 years; one piece must be sacred (regardless of religion) and one piece must be in a language other than English. The submission deadline is September 15th, 2017, with the winner being announced on October 1st, 2017.

You can find more information about Polyphonos and the Esoterics here.

There you have it! Three competitions calling for new, exciting choral music. Now go out there and start applying!