2025 Call for Scores

The Lowell Chamber Orchestra announces its fourth annual international call-for-scores. The contest is designed to give composers of any nationality and age a chance to get their work performed by the Lowell Chamber Orchestra (LCO). The LCO is a fluid ensemble with variable instrumentation, and a wide variety of genres are accepted. In accordance with LCO’s mission, we encourage (not require) composers to submit works that advance social justice.

Prizes:

Performance of the winning work during the 2025-2026 season
Professional video recording
Cash prize of US$1000
Travel stipend up to US$300, and free lodging to attend rehearsals and concert

Requirements:

Works must be between 8 to 30 minutes. Brand new works and previously performed works are acceptable.
Works must be written for any combination of only the instrumentation below, and be comprised of between 8 and 24 players - please use the given string count when counting personnel (for example: 1.2.2.2—2.1.0.0.—hp, timp.—3.3.2.1 counts as 21 players)
No staged genres (e.g.: operas, ballets, etc.)
Works with multimedia (e.g.: photos, video, electronics, etc.) are acceptable, but we recommend sending technical requirements before final submission

Instrumentation available:
2 Flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 1 saxophone, 2 bassoons, 2 french horns, 2 trumpets, 1 trombone,1 bass trombone, 1 tuba, percussion, 1 harp, 1 keyboard*, strings (5.4.3.3.2.)

Woodwind players also play standard auxiliary instruments. Percussion section is two players maximum with full standard percussion equipment. “Keyboard” can be any standard keyboard instrument such as piano, harpsichord, celesta, synthesizer, etc. played by one person only. For any instrumentation questions, send an email here.

Submission Instructions
All contestants must submit:

One PDF file with score and performance notes, if applicable. Scores must be anonymous - please use a pseudonym in lieu of your real name.
The form below (if the contestant is under 18 years of age by the time of the deadline, the form must be completed by a parent or legal guardian)
$30 application fee - click here to pay

Timeline:
The winner will be announced by Sunday, March 16, 2025, in this page.

Deadline for submission:
Sunday, December 31, 2024, 11:59 pm UTC/GMT -5

Email us with any questions. We will use these to populate a Q&A below the form

Name

First Name

Last Name

Email

Click here to upload your score

Pseudonym

Instrumentation

Duration

Checkbox

By checking this box, the contestant agrees to submit a score within the aforementioned parameters. Contestants understands that incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Contestant will accept the results of the judges, and understands that the judges decision is final and non-negotiable. Contestant understands that the fee is non-refundable for any reason whatsoever, including not advancing or winning the call-for-scores.

I agree with the rules and regulations

Q & A (populated as questions are received)

Does the works need to be one contiguous movement?
- No. Multi-movement works are allowed as long as the combination of al the movements’ sounding music is more than 8 minutes and less than 30 minutes

Do I need to use all the mentioned instruments?
- No. You can use any combination of the aforementioned instruments as long as the number of players remains between 8 and 24.

Are choral works allowed?
- No choral works will be considered.

Can I submit a concerto?
- Yes, concertante works are allowed. If the concerto were to win, soloist(s) will be chosen by the music director.

Should I submit a recording of my submission?
- Please submit only the materials requested. No recordings are requested, and none will be given to the judges.

Do the judges comment on the submissions?
- Feedback will be given upon request

Can I submit more than one work?
- Yes, but each submission must be accompanied by a full application

Who are the judges this year?
-Judges are chosen from past call-for-scores winners, commissioned composers, and composers know by the Music Director.