The International Composition Competition is organized by Eurochestries International for new works that can be performed by high-level youth symphony orchestras. Entrants apply in one of two age categories, each with its own required work length, and submit a short musical excerpt plus a statement of intent in the first round.
Selected composers submit complete scores in round two. Finalists then join a four- to five-day residency with the European Youth Symphony Orchestra Eurochestries International, where their works are performed and recorded live.
Benefits & funding
- The total prize pool is €20,500.
- Each category awards €5,000 for first prize, €3,000 for second prize and €2,000 for third prize.
- One €500 audience prize is shared across the two categories.
- Finalists receive a four- to five-day residency with the European Youth Symphony Orchestra Eurochestries International.
- Finalists also receive media coverage, a live recording of their work on the final day and visibility through the Eurochestries International network and its partners.
- The registration fee is €50 and is non-refundable.
Eligibility
- Category 1 is for composers under 30 who were born after 31 March 1997; the finished work must last 6 to 8 minutes.
- Category 2 is for composers over 30 who were born before 31 March 1997; the finished work must last 8 to 10 minutes.
- The published wording does not place composers born exactly on 31 March 1997 in either category; they should confirm eligibility with the organizer before paying the fee.
- The accessible official competition page states no nationality, residency or degree restriction.
- All styles and aesthetic forms are permitted.
- The work must be playable by a high-level youth orchestra.
Can you apply?
Check who can apply
No nationality, residency, education, experience, gender or age limit is listed. The other conditions are under Eligibility.
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Application process
- 1Choose the category that matches the published birth-date rule and required work length.
- 2Prepare a musical excerpt of two to three minutes and a statement of intent of 10 to 15 lines describing the final concept of the work.
- 3Register through one of the forms linked on the official competition page and pay the €50 non-refundable fee.
- 4Submit the first-round material by 30 September 2026.
- 5If selected, submit the complete score by 31 March 2027.
- 6If named a finalist, join the residency for rehearsal, performance and live recording of the work.
Program timeline
First-round deadline for the musical excerpt and statement of intent.
30 September 2026
Second-round deadline for selected composers to submit the complete score.
31 March 2027
Date not published
Four- to five-day finalist residency, final performance and live recording.