Promoting student composers and performing their new and innovative choral repertoire

For this competition, we invite students to submit two of their existing SATB choral compositions. These pieces will be judged by a 5-member jury consisting of choral conductors and composers. Special consideration will be given to those pieces that demonstrate excellence in compositional craft, imagination, idiomatic effectiveness, and, most importantly, a fresh approach to choral writing.

The winner will be announced in May 2026, and will receive a $1,000 commission for a new work to be premiered by the Orpheus Chamber Singers in Fall 2026. The winning composer will also receive up to $500 for travel costs to attend the premiere.

Participation is open to any undergraduate or graduate student aged 30 or younger as of December 31, 2025, enrolled in an institution of higher education or conservatory in the United States. Students who are graduating in spring 2026 are eligible to apply.

There is no fee to apply. Full competition rules are available here.

Applications must be submitted via the link below by Monday, December 15, 2025 at 11:59pm.

Please direct all questions to Sienna Priddy (sienna@orpheuschambersingers.org) or 214.530.0018 x 3.