2026 Competition Guidelines
The APO exists to enrich the lives of artists and audience members through music. An important aspect of our work is providing visibility and exposure to artists and composers from underrepresented groups. The composition contest is an opportunity for emerging composers to have their piece performed for a live audience by the APO during our regular season concerts..
Submitting an Application
This contest is inclusive and we encourage composers from all backgrounds, ages, races, genders, religions, ethnicities, disabilities, and nationalities to apply. Submissions will be judged without identifying information to make the contest as fair as possible.
- Application submissions should include:
- A PDF score (full score, normally transposed)
- An MP3 / MIDI of the piece
- $50 application fee
- Send all submissions to submissions@atlantaphilharmonic.org. Do not send hard copies.
- Only one submission per composer is allowed; previously performed pieces are eligible.
- The application deadline is January 15, 2026.
The Atlanta Philharmonic Orchestra reserves the rights to perform the winning piece, record the performance and to use video, audio, and images of the performances and rehearsals for marketing, fundraising, and in online social media. By submitting a piece for consideration, you are agreeing to these terms.
Score Submission Guidelines
- Include the title of the piece on your score
- Do not include your name or any other identifying information on the score
- Please consider sending the best sounding recording; mp3 is best
- No handwritten scores will be accepted
- No incomplete scores will be accepted
- Submissions should be between 5 and 10 minutes long
- The submitted version is the version that will be performed
- The score and parts match to the best of their ability
- Maximum instrumentation is for full orchestra and is as follows:
- 2 flutes
- 2 oboes
- 2 clarinets
- 2 bassoons
- 4 horns
- 2 trumpets
- 3 trombones
- 1 tuba
- Timpani; 2 percussionists
- Orchestral strings
- Harp/celeste, etc. if required. Please note that we cannot guarantee instrumentation for harp and similar instruments. The composer should consider alternate instrumentation, if possible.
Judging and Winner Notification
Compositions will be judged by a committee of composers, artists, orchestra creative staff and orchestra personnel. Between 1 and 5 compositions will be selected for performance. Composers will not receive any ratings or feedback on their submissions. The selection of the winning composition(s) by the committee is final.
- The composer will receive a recorded performance of their work on DVD, CD, as a link to the performance online or a combination of these as available
- The winning composer does not need to be present in person at rehearsals or performances; however, they will need to be available via alternative methods (i.e. email, phone, video) during the rehearsal period for artistic questions
- Winning composers may be asked to make a short video of themselves talking about their piece for marketing
- The Atlanta Philharmonic Orchestra is unable to provide transportation or lodging to those who wish to be present for the performance
- There is no compensation for the printing of parts. There is no prize money awarded to the winning composition(s).
Since 2020, the Atlanta Philharmonic has held a composition competition. Below are the winners from the first competition.