2026 COMPOSITION CONTEST

APPLICATIONS CLOSE JUNE 15, 2026 at 11:59PM PDT.

The winner will be announced on September 1, 2026.

AWARD 

• $2000.00 USD cash

• Performance by Left Coast Chamber Ensemble during the 2027-28 concert season

• Recording of the live performance

Guidelines

Composers of all ages and nationalities may apply.

Select any combination of the following instrumentation for ONLY 1-5 players. Music can be intended to be performed with or without a conductor.

• 1 Voice (Soprano)

• 1 Flute (doubling Alto Flute and/or Piccolo)

• 1 Oboe

• 1-2 Clarinets (doubling B flat, A, E flat, and/or Bass Cl.)

• 1 Piano OR 1 Piano Four-Hands

• 1 Percussion (1 percussionist – small set-up preferred)

• 1-3 Violins

• 1 Viola

• 1-2 Cellos

• 1 Double Bass

• 1 Guitar

Duration: Up to 15 minutes

Score: Each composer must submit a legible score of professional quality. Marks identifying the composer must not appear anywhere on the score.

Recording: Submitting a recording is optional but highly recommended. Live recordings are preferred. MIDI realizations are acceptable. Marks identifying the composer must not appear in the recording.

Number of entries: Composers may submit as many works as they like, each one accompanied by a separate application and entry fee.

Payment: The entry fee is $22. 

HOW TO APPLY

Email compcontest@leftcoastensemble.org with the following:

• Include in the subject line: “Composition Contest Entry”

• Include in the email:

  1.) Title of Work

  2.) Instrumentation

• Attach a legible PDF score of professional quality. Marks identifying the composer must not appear anywhere in the score.

• Optional (strongly recommended): Attach an audio recording (live or MIDI). Marks identifying the composer must not appear in the file name.

Pay the entry fee ($22 per entry) using the link below:

For further information or questions, please contact compcontest@leftcoastensemble.org

View Past Winners Here

photo credit: Jeanette Yu