International New Music Competition
About the Competition
Through its diverse program offerings and world-class performing artists, Chamber Music | OC is proud to continue its exciting initiative designed to support the work of living composers: The International New Music Competition featuring the Samuel Adler Grand Prize.
For questions, please refer to the FAQ or contact newmusic@chambermusicoc.org.
“I am so impressed that this competition encourages so many excellent composers to submit works. It gives me a renewed optimism in the state of new music at this time.”
Composer and Professor Emeritus, The Juilliard School
Jury
Please check back for more information.
Prizes
Grand Prize:
- Samuel Adler Grand Prize for best new work: $1,500
The Samuel Adler Grand Prize includes a cash prize of $1,500, a travel stipend, and a live performance in Southern California featuring distinguished Chamber Music | OC guest and resident artists. The performance will also be professionally recorded and filmed by Lenson Productions.
Additional Prizes:
- California Love Prize for best work by a composer residing in California: $200
- Emerging Artist Prize for best work by a composer age 25 and under: $200
- International Prize for best work by a composer residing outside of the USA: $200
- Trio Céleste Prize for best work for violin, cello, and piano: $200
- Wonder Woman Prize for best work by a female composer: $200
Although only the Grand Prize guarantees a performance and recording, performances and/or recordings may be offered to other prize winners at the discretion of the Jury Panel.
Past Winners
2019
- Samuel Adler Grand Prize: Tom Nazziola / Over the Horizon
- California Love Prize: Belinda Reynolds / COVER
- Emerging Artist Prize: Dani Howard / Symmetry
- International Prize: Kelly-Marie Murphy / Blues and the Principles of Excitation
- Trio Céleste Prize: Jack Frerer / Stutter Step
- Wonder Woman Prize: Kelly-Marie Murphy / Blues and the Principles of Excitation
2018
- John Corigliano Grand Prize: Carolina Heredia / Ausencias
- California Love Prize: Selim Göncü / dimINNUENDO
- Emerging Artist Prize: Daniel Farrell / Puppet Show
- International Prize: Kelly-Marie Murphy / Give Me Phoenix Wings to Fly
- Trio Céleste Prize: Kelly-Marie Murphy / Give Me Phoenix Wings to Fly
- Wonder Woman Prize: Carolina Heredia / Ausencias
Eligibility
Open to all ages and citizenships. Both students and professionals are encouraged to apply. Previous winners of the Grand Prize are not eligible to enter again. Previous winners of secondary prizes (i.e. Emerging Artist Prize) may still apply.
Guidelines
Submissions will be accepted electronically only. All uploaded documents must be anonymous; this means that, while titles and notes are acceptable, any name(s) or other text/graphics which would easily identify the composer should be blocked out prior to submission. Applicants may be selected as winners in more than one category. All determinations made by the Jury Panel are final. The Jury Panel reserves the right to not select a winner in any given category if they feel there is no qualified submission. All winners and participants will be notified of results by email. Compositions must be no longer than 15 minutes in length and for any instrumental configuration from 2 to 10 performers. Applicants must submit a complete score (with parts) and recording (midi or live) of the composition. Application fee is $40.
I can't successfully submit an application. What do I do?
We apologize for the trouble. Please send an email to newmusic@chambermusicoc.org, and we will assist you.
Are solo works eligible?
No, all compositions must be for between 2 and 10 performers.