Deadline March 1, 2023
Composers age 30 and younger, especially those based in MD, DC, or VA, are invited to apply; $3,000 prize to winner.
November 2022: The NIH Community Orchestra, an inclusive, all-volunteer group in suburban Washington, DC, launches its Call for Scores competition to expand orchestral repertoire, while helping to boost a young composer’s visibility. Entries should be 8-10 minutes in length, based on the theme, “Reflection & Rejuvenation.” To preview the application and/or apply, click here.
Questions? Please e-mail: NIHCommOrchestraScores@yahoo.com
This Call for Scores contest is supported in part by the Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County, Maryland.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
The NIH Community Orchestra (NIHCO), now in its 26th season, proudly announces its inaugural Call for Scores competition. NIHCO invites composers to contribute a new work 8-10 minutes in length inspired by the orchestra’s 2022-2023 theme of “Reflection and Rejuvenation,” for orchestra that is appropriate for community/amateur musicians.
The competition is open to all composers age 30 and younger, regardless of professional background, employment status, nationality, ethnicity, gender identity, or any other factor or qualification. NIHCO especially welcomes submissions from composers studying or based in Maryland, Virginia, or the District of Columbia.
The winner will be notified by March 2023 and will receive:
- World première performance in Montgomery County, Maryland by the NIH Community Orchestra in June 2023
- $3000 honorarium
- Video files of the première
Up to 3 honorable mentions may be named. Honorable mentions will receive a reading of their work before June 2024 and a $200 honorarium.
Deadline: March 1, 2023
Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
The NIH Community Orchestra seeks to connect with composers to spark new collaborations, reducing obstacles such as economic advantage and academic pedigree which historically disadvantaged many composers, especially those from groups underrepresented in classical music. We especially want to hear from composers who identify as BIPOC/ALAANA/LGBTQ+. Information gathered will not be associated with individual submissions or referenced in the awards selection process, which will remain anonymous, but will be used for the purpose of determining our success reaching in a wider, more diverse composer community.
Contact NIHCommOrchestraScores@yahoo.com with any questions about the competition, the judging process, the NIHCO, and/or technical assistance in submitting a composition. See https://nihco.org/ for information about the NIHCO and our performance history.
Additional Information
Winning composer must be available to meet with the orchestra, preferably in person, during March-June 2023 rehearsal period. No travel honorarium will be provided, but virtual options can be arranged.
NIHCO requests a gratis sync license in perpetuity.
NIHCO requests gratis permission for future performances.
NIHCO requests the right to the first performance.
Works should include parts for woodwinds, brass, percussion, and strings.
Works should have not been performed previously.
Works may be composed for orchestra no larger than:
2 flutes (piccolo optional), 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons
4 Horns, 2 Trumpets, 3 Trombones, 1 Tuba
Timpani + 1 percussionist
Strings
Works may not include parts for solo instrument or voice, nor include electronics.