2026 Call for Scores

The Lowell Chamber Orchestra announces its sixth 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. Previous winners are not allowed to participate.

Prizes:

  • Performance of the winning work during the 2026-2027 season

  • Professional video recording

  • Cash prize of US$1200

  • Travel stipend up to US$300 for travel expenses to attend rehearsals and concert

Requirements:

  • Works must be between 8 to 40 minutes. Previously performed works are acceptable as well as works that have never been performed.

  • 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 applicant must include technical requirements with 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 (6.5.4.4.2.)

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 us an email.

Submission Instructions
All contestants must submit:

  • One PDF file with score and performance notes, if applicable. Scores must be anonymized - composers must use a pseudonym in lieu of their 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)

  • $35 application fee - click here to pay

A confirmation email will be sent once the application has been completed

Deadline for submission:
Sunday, January 25, 2026, 11:59 pm UTC/GMT -5

Timeline:
The winner will be announced by Sunday, April 25, 2026, in this page.

Email us with any questions.

Past Winners:
2025: Helder Alves de Oliveira
2024: Simon Andrews, and Robin Haigh
2023: Cory Brodack, and Martin Schreiner
2022: Estefanía Pardo Perez
2021: Micah Roberts

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 within the time limits

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 concertos allowed?
- Yes, concertante-style works are allowed, as well as works with narration. However, LCO reserves the right to hire the soloist(s) the desire.

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

Where can I submit a recording of my submission?
- Do not send recordings, for none will be given to the judges. Please submit only the materials requested.

Do you give financial aid or waive the competition fee for any reason?
- We regret we are unable to do this