Composition Contest

2023 World Projects Composition Contest

World Projects Composition Contest is now OPEN! Submit your entries by November 1, 2023!

Founded in the strong relationships World Projects has forged with renowned composers from across the globe, The World Projects Composition Contest presents a unique opportunity for new connections to be made. Through this contest, World Projects will strive to:

  • Promote the composition of great new music
  • Promote emerging composers
  • Promote the collaboration between composer, conductor, and student performer
  • Bring World Premieres to major concert halls
  • Provide a platform where these compositions can be published and kept alive through future performances

Rules and Requirements:

  1. This contest is open to everyone.
  2. Applicants may enter up to one (1) original composition of their own that is a non-published, un-premiered work, and does not infringe upon the copyright or other right of any other work or person. (Arrangements will not be accepted)
  3. The submitted work should be written for choral, orchestra, string orchestra, or band instrumentation. It must be between 3-7 minutes in length and is expected to be of a grade III or IV level and accessible to youth ensembles.
  4. The submitted work should demonstrate skilled orchestration and an original compositional voice or thinking that is notated clearly, efficiently, and cleanly within the conventions of its genre.
  5. Entries received after the contest cutoff date of November 1st, 2023 will not be considered for submission.
  6. The winner will be selected by the World Projects Composition Board who will consider innovation, creativity, and aesthetic of each submission. A winner might not be selected should no submission meet the above criteria. The composition board consists of World Projects and:

Brett Abigaña

John Carnahan

Johan de Meij

Alec Schumacker

***The winner of this contest will be announced at the 2023 Midwest Clinic.***

Award (per winning composition):

  1. World Premiere of your composition by a selected ensemble either at the Walt Disney Concert Hall during the 2024 Los Angeles “Sounds of Summer” Festival or at Carnegie Hall during the 2024 New York “Sounds of Summer” Festival.
  2. Roundtrip airfare (coach class) or train transportation depending on location of festival.
  3. Three (3) nights’ accommodation at the festival hotel.
  4. Personal stipend of $200.00
  5. Opportunity to lead a 90 minute festival rehearsal with the selected ensemble premiering your winning composition. Responsibilities to include but not limited to:
    • Working directly with the Director of the selected ensemble in preparation of the world premiere
    • Being accessible to the Director either through email or phone until the premiere
  6. Your winning composition will be offered a publishing contract with World Projects Corporation.

Entry Submission Forms:

  1. Full score (pdf)
  2. Audio recording (live recording or synthesized notation software such as NotePerformer or similar – MP3 format) MIDI files will NOT be accepted
  3. List of any composer(s) and/or piece(s) that influence your work (pdf)
  4. Entry form (pdf) – DOWNLOAD FORM HERE

How to enter:

  • E-mail your entry to HERE. File attachments should not exceed 20 MB in size per E-mail.
  • If E-mail is unavailable:
    • World Projects Corporation – 110 East D Street, Suite K, Benicia, CA 94510.

This is an amazing opportunity for musical growth and exploration and we hope that you do not pass it by! Entries MUST be received by NOVEMBER 1st, 2023 in order to be considered. Good luck to everyone in the competition. We can’t wait to hear your music!

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