Orchestrating the 21st Century is an intensive, six-day workshop June 2-7, 2026, is held during the Albany Symphony’s American Music Festival in Troy, NY, focusing on composition for the modern orchestra. Curated and led by GRAMMY-nominated composer Christopher Theofanidis, participants become fully immersed in the Festival’s new music activities and events, interacting closely with resident composers, as well as with Albany Symphony musicians, visiting performers, and Albany Symphony Music Director, David Alan Miller.

All accepted composers have the opportunity to write a new work for a conducted ensemble of Albany Symphony musicians, to be read in a public workshop during the 2026 American Music Festival. The First Draughts Reading session is an AMF concert event on June 7, 2026. Please be sure to indicate your intention to submit a score for the Reading Session with your application.

In 2026, there is a special Festival emphasis on Water Music New York: More Voices and the bicentennial of the completion of the Erie Canal. Participants may be energized by the new works curated to commemorate the historic feat of engineering, as well as the Albany Symphony’s role in “raising more voices” by commissioning contemporary composers to curate Erie Canal Bicentennial Events along the canal, kicking off during the American Music Festival in Troy, NY.

Each day includes one major session of score study and orchestration, and observation of rehearsals and concerts. Over the course of the workshop, participants also receive lessons in masterclass format with Christopher Theofanidis: conduct score study of works by John Adams, Thomas Ades, Kaija Saariaho, Jacob Druckman, Henri Dutilleux, Tristan Murail, and take part in discussions on the use of technology in the orchestra, rehearsal protocol and strategies, and where to look for opportunities to write for orchestra. Workshop sessions also feature special guest talks with resident Festival composers and artists. In addition, participants meet with the Symphony’s Executive Director, Music Director, and Music Librarian, experts in music publishing, and new media specialists to learn more about trends and challenges for composers in the orchestral field.

Eligibility & Fees

  • Applicant must be either a US citizen or non-citizen lawfully residing, or studying full-time, in the United States. Proof of citizenship or residency status may be requested at any time.

  • There are no age restrictions; however, applicants should be current graduate composition students, advanced undergraduate composition students, or recent graduates at the early stages of their careers.

  • Winning composers will join the orchestra for a series of professional development sessions during the orchestra’s American Music Festival.

  • The $600 workshop fee includes sessions, lessons, two group meals, and the option to participate in a public reading session of a new work.

  • The fee for accepted auditors is $300.

  • Travel expenses, housing, and additional meals are not included.

  • We are able to offer discounted hotel room rates.

Required Application Materials

  • A current resume including educational background, major teachers, awards, and professional affiliations.

  • A list of works, including title, year composed, instrumentation, duration, and performance history.

  • Two audio excerpts, 4 to 5 minutes each, with score PDFs. (MIDI or live ensemble are both acceptable.)

  • Three professional references with contact information. References should be established composers or other music professionals who have worked closely with the applicant.

Optional Application Materials

  • Cover letter describing how the workshop would provide professional and personal benefits.

  • Program notes for any submitted works.

  • Letters of recommendation from listed references attesting to the applicant’s accomplishments and potential as an orchestral composer.