The Phoenix Symphony Composition Project offers young Arizona composers the opportunity to create original orchestral works, receive professional guidance and potentially have their music performed by the Symphony during an educational performance in the 2025-26 season.
The program is open to students in two age divisions:
Project Highlights:
Instrumentation: Compositions must require a minimum of four players up to a mid-size orchestra, with any instrument configuration.
Examples include string quartet, percussion ensemble or woodwind or brass quintet. Mid-size orchestra includes two flutes, two oboes, two clarinets, two bassoons, four French horns, two trumpets, three trombones, one tuba, a timpani, three percussionists, harp and strings.
Length: Minimum 2 minutes, maximum 6 minutes.
File Format: Entries must include a digital score in any standard format (e.g., PDF, Sibelius, Finale) and an accompanying MIDI or MP3 audio file.
Additional Materials: Each entry must include:
Performance Agreement: Participants agree to the possibility of their composition being performed and recorded by The Phoenix Symphony. All participants must certify that their submissions are original compositions. By entering, participants grant the Phoenix Symphony a non-exclusive, royalty-free right to perform, record, and use the composition for educational and promotional purposes. Participants will retain all other rights to their work. Entries must not infringe on any existing copyrights.
All submissions must be completed using this application. Final Submission must be a complete, performance-ready score. No drafts will be accepted.
Submission Window: January 1 to June 1, 2025
Participants can request a 30-minute maximum meeting with Guest Conductor Alex Amsel from now until March 31, 2025 based on scheduling availability. Meetings can be requested through email at [email protected]. Meeting requirements include two minutes of music (draft acceptable) for the chosen ensemble and an openness to feedback.
If you composition is chosen, you will work with Alex Amsel and/or a symphony musician over the summer to refine the score, with a finalized performance-ready version due by October 1, 2025.
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Your gift to the Phoenix Symphony keeps music alive — from powerful performances and education programs to hospice bedside visits that bring comfort and connection when words fail. Give today and help us reach our $250,000 year-end goal before midnight, December 31.