Call for Scores Competition

The New England Philharmonic is one of few orchestras of its size in the country with a Composer-in-Residence program and an annual Call for Scores competition, both established in 1985.

The Call for Scores Competition receives annually over 100 submissions from composers around the world. Winning works are performed as part of an upcoming NEP season.

By presenting these new works in the context of pieces by established composers— including classics of the symphonic repertory—the NEP demonstrates that orchestral music is not a finished collection of museum pieces, but a living, evolving tradition. The NEP is committed to fostering the art of composition and presenting new works from the wide and diverse community of orchestral composers.

Submissions to the 2025 Call for Scores Competition are now closed

Sign up to be notified about the future Call for Scores competitions

Eligibility:

  • Submissions are welcome from all composers based in the U.S. and internationally.

  • The performance of the submitted score must be no longer than 15-minutes in duration.

  • The application fee of $40 per score must accompany each submission. Composers may submit as many scores as they would like.

  • Submissions must be for full orchestra and follow the instrumentation guidelines. Concertos, vocal works, and works for string orchestra, woodwind, or brass ensemble are not eligible for application.

How to Take Part:

To participate in the Call for Scores, please complete the following steps:

  • Complete the registration form below to submit your score and recording by 11:59pm on Nov. 1, 2024.

  • Pay the $40 per score registration fee through the link provided below.

Please note: If you are submitting multiple scores for consideration, you must submit them individually and pay the $40 fee per score.

Instrumentation Guidelines:

Instrumentation may include up to the following:

  • 3 flutes (1 doubling piccolo)

  • 3 oboes (1 doubling English horn)

  • 3 clarinets (1 doubling bass clarinet)

  • 3 bassoons (1 doubling contrabassoon)

  • 4 horns

  • 3 trumpets

  • 3 trombones (3rd is bass trombone)

  • 1 tuba

  • 1 timpanist

  • 3 percussion

  • harp

  • piano/celesta

  • strings

Readings Session:

Selected composers will have their works performed by the NEP during a 3-hour readings session. Guest mentor composers will provide feedback on each work performed and will join the selected composers in a post-reading discussion. The 2025 Readings Session will take place on Sunday, June 1, 2025.

The NEP recognizes that some applicants may not be able to pay the application fee. If you would like to request a waiver, please submit a request via email to manager@nephilharmonic.org.

Please Note: By submitting to this call, the composer gives permission to record audio of the concert in which the submitted piece is included, and upon winning, to provide the NEP with a headshot, biography, and the score and parts in PDF format.

If you have any questions, please email manager@nephilharmonic.org.