2027 Call for Scores

The Lowell Chamber Orchestra announces its seventh 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 2027-2028 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 20 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 26 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 concertante works requiring instrumental or vocal soloists. Works requiring one narrator are acceptable

  • 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 (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 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)

  • $40 application fee - click here to pay

Timeline:
The winner will be announced by Sunday, March 21, 2027, in this page.

Deadline for submission:
Sunday, January 3, 2027, 11:59 pm UTC/GMT -5

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

Past Winners:
2026: Lansing McLoskey
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 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 26.

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

Where can 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 you give financial aid or waive the competition fee for any reason?
- No, we don’t.