The Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra (EP) is excited to announce its Young Composers Composition Competition, a new initiative designed to support opportunities for young composers, encourage the creation of innovative new works, and highlight the artistry of the EP’s core musicians, which consists of the Eykamp String Quartet and Consortium. The competition is open to young composers aged 18 – 29 from across the United States. The winning composer will receive a $2,000 prize and a professional recording of their composition. In addition, the Evansville Philharmonic will provide domestic transportation and lodging for the winner to attend rehearsals and the public performance of their work on the October 2026 New Traditions Concert.

Submission Guidelines

  • Eligibility: Composers aged 18–29, U.S. citizens or residents
  • Duration: Works up to 10 minutes in length
  • Instrumentation:
    • Compositions for chamber ensembles of 3–7 instruments drawn from the EP core ensemble: flute, oboe, violin I, violin II, viola, cello, and percussion. (Complete instrumentation, including percussion, is listed in the application)
  • Combinations not accepted: string trio or string quartet alone. Priority will be given to works that make significant use of all seven core instruments.
  • Single-track tape is permitted; live electronics are not accepted.
  • A conductor will be available if required.

Application Guidelines

  • The following application materials will be collected electronically via online entry form (accessible via the EP website beginning on November 1)
    • A legible score and individual parts in PDF format of the work submitted.
    • A live or MIDI recording of the complete work submitted.
    • $25 entry fee will be required, payable via credit card or PayPal.
  • All submissions must be anonymous. The composer’s name and any other identifiable features must be removed from scores and recordings and from file names submitted. Pseudonyms are permitted.
  • Only your score, parts, and recording will be shared with judges for judging.
  • Adjudication is based on anonymous submissions.

Please direct questions and inquiries to: Education@evansvillephilharmonic.org