Summermusik with resident ensemble Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra in partnership with Chamber Orchestra of Pittsburgh, Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle (NC), and Reno Chamber Orchestra announce the third annual Kreitler Commission Competition. This blind competition is open to composers of any nationality and age. The winning composer will receive four performances of the winning work during the 2027-2028 season with a premiere in Cincinnati, OH, USA in August 2027; a professional video recording of the premiere performance; cash prize of US$10,000; travel stipend up to US$750 for travel expenses to attend rehearsals and the concert in Cincinnati; and lodging during the duration of the Cincinnati residency.

Application Instructions (Revised)

  • One work sample showcasing their ability to write for orchestra (chamber orchestra preferred).
    • If submitting a multi-movement work, please only submit one movement.
    • Transposed scores are highly preferred.
  • Submitted scores must have all identifying information redacted including name, commissioning organization, program notes, and other details that could give away your age, gender, ethnicity, or location. Scores that are not anonymous will not be considered.
  • Do not provide notes for the judging panel. Please make sure that any comments in PDF scores are deleted.
  • Please indicate the date of the composition on the title page of the score.
  • Submitted recordings can be of a live performance (preferred) or MIDI.
  • A reduced fee may be considered to those who demonstrate financial need by emailing Evan Gidley at gidley@summermusik.org

Judging and Notification Process

  • The judging panel will only receive your redacted score and audio/MIDI recording.
  • The panel consists of conductors, musicians, and composers with one individual selected from each partner orchestra.
  • Each of the four judges will randomly receive a quarter of the scores and recordings and will individually select their top three.
  • The twelve semifinalists will be contacted in early May 2026 and asked to submit an additional score, which shall be their best work regardless of instrumentation. They will have one week to make this submission.
  • The entire judging panel will then convene to select their top three from the twelve semifinalists. Finally, each judge will vote for their top choice from among the three finalists.
  • Those advancing to the semifinal round will be contacted in early May 2026.
  • The winner will be announced in June 2026.

Publication Rights

Composer will retain the copyright to their work. Lead and partner orchestras retain the exclusive right to perform the commissioned composition through the 2027-2028 season without obligation to pay any rental fees to the composer or to the composer’s publisher.

Recording Rights

Lead and partner orchestras control ownership rights of any recordings made of the composition’s performance through the end of the 2027-28 season. It is agreed that a copy of any recording made will be given to composer according to the media agreements in place at each individual orchestra. The world premiere recording will be posted on Summermusik’s YouTube channel.

Questions? Email Summermusik Executive Director Evan Gidley at gidley@summermusik.org