The University of Louisville requests submissions for the 2025 Frank Robert Abell Young Composers Competition for New Chamber Music. Open to composers residing in the United States, ages 18-26 by August 1, 2025. First place prize is $10,000 USD, second place prize is $6,000 USD.

This Award was established by a generous bequest from the estate of Frank Robert Abell, a longtime Louisville philanthropist with close ties to the University of Louisville School of Music. He had a deep love for contemporary music and a strong desire to help younger composers.

The University of Louisville School of Music will seek out opportunities to perform the winning works, but such performances are not guaranteed. In the event of a performance, the Award Committee will underwrite the composer’s expenses (travel, lodging, and meals) to Louisville to attend rehearsals and the performance. The winning composers agree to give a presentation about their music to the Composition Seminar and engage in other similar activities while in Louisville.

Eligibility

Applicants must

  • Reside in the United States
  • Be of the age 18-26 by the time of application
  • Current former U of L students and their spouses are not eligible to enter
  • U of L faculty and staff and their spouses and children are not eligible to enter
Application Details
  • Deadline: August 1, 2025, 11:59pm ET. All materials must be received by this deadline.
  • Only one entry per composer.
  • Maximum length: 25 minutes.
  • Single or multiple movements are acceptable.
  • For 3-7 instrumental performers from the following combination of SOLO instruments: Flute (c-flute, piccolo, bass), Clarinet (b-flat, bass), Saxophone (alto, tenor), Piano, Percussion, Violin, Cello. Two on a part is not possible, so works for ensembles such as string quartet will not be accepted.
  • Works may include electronics (live and/or fixed media). Electronics personnel should be limited to one performer/technician and is not included in the 7-performer limit. Works with electronics are required to include a tech rider with the submission.
  • All materials should be submitted digitally. A complete score is required. No works in progress or revisions after the call will be accepted. A recording is highly encouraged but not required. MIDI mockups are acceptable in absence of a recording.
  • The online entry form must be completed, and a brief bio in English submitted along with it.
  • Winners agree that the University of Louisville School of Music may perform and/or record the winning works without fee or royalty in perpetuity. The winners agree to the use of their names, in addition to video and audio recordings of their work, for publicity purposes.
  • Notification of winners: by November 1, 2025
  • The Committee reserves the right to withhold either or both prizes.
  • Questions should be directed to Dr. John Ritz at the University of Louisville via email.