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. These programs were established in 1985. The CFS currently receives over 100 submissions annually from around the world. The winning work is performed in concert during the upcoming NEP season.

By presenting these new works in the context of pieces by established composers— including classics of the symphonic repertory—the New England Philharmonic 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.

2024 Call for Scores Winner Bobby Ge

Congratulations to Bobby Ge!
2024 Call for Scores winner.

His winning composition Remember to Have Fun will be performed in the NEP’s 2024-25 season.

Congratulations to the 2024 Call for Scores Finalists!

Eugene Astapov Sinfonia for the Journey of Souls  Jyun-Rong Ho Inspiration of Kenroku-En Vera Ivanova Variations on Chords: Distances

Marco Jimenez In Nomine Patris Evans Koçja Mysteres de léspace Gillian Rae Perry I'm Sorry to My Body

Daniel Reza Sabzhgabaei Hommage a Khaleqi Roger Zare Fractal Miniatures

Reading Sessions

Starting in Spring 2024, the New England Philharmonic introduces Reading Sessions as a new initiative of the Call for Scores competition.

Chosen from applicants to the Call for Scores competition, select composers will be given the opportunity to hear their works performed by full orchestra, often a rare opportunity for composers. Led by Composer-in-Residence Eric Nathan, guest mentor composers will provide feedback and discussion on each work performed, as well as solicit feedback directly from the orchestral musicians.

Congratulations to the 2024 Reading Session Composers!

This year’s reading session will take place on Saturday, June 15, 2024, and feature guest composers Kati Agócs and Kareem Roustom.

Christian Andres Lazo Remedi Fenix

Austin Ali Totality

The 2024 Call for Scores Competition is now closed.

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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, 2023.

  • 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

Reading Sessions:

Led by the NEP’s Composer-in-Residence Eric Nathan, selected composers will have their works performed by the NEP during a 3-hour reading session on Saturday, June 15, 2024. Along with Eric, guest mentor composers Kati Agocs and Kareem Roustom will provide feedback on each work performed and will join the selected composers in a post-reading discussion.

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.

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