Angel City Chorale invites emerging composers aged 18–30 to submit original choral works for its inaugural “Sharing Common Ground” competition. Centered on the theme “The Ground We Share,” this opportunity offers a $3,500 prize, professional premiere in Los Angeles, and exclusive performance by the renowned community choir. Deadline: September 1, 2025.

For its inaugural year, the theme of the competition is “The Ground We Share.” Participants are encouraged to explore themes such as:

Shared Space: Representing the physical land we all inhabit, as a global community.

Common Humanity: Symbolizing the shared experiences, resiliencies, and triumphs that connect us despite our differences.

Cultural Heritage: Reflecting the values of empathy and the bonds that ground us in culture, faith and nature.

Synergy: A metaphor for creative collaboration or negotiation – the fertile ground where ideas and relationships take root and grow.

Whether you interpret it literally or figuratively, The Ground We Share is an invitation to reflect on what we build and experience together, and how music can shape our shared journey.

Eligibility Requirements

To participate in the competition, applicants must satisfy the following criteria, which are subject to modification at the ACC’s sole discretion:

  • Applicants must be at least 18 and no older than 30 at the time of submission and present a valid passport or U.S. state-issued identification verifying their age if chosen as a finalist. If an applicant is not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, their visa status must allow them to work in the United States in order to be eligible to receive any U.S. based prize.
  • Submitted composition (the “Composition”) must be an original work, newly composed for this competition, and not previously published or performed, or an arrangement of another melody or tune.
  • The text used in the composition must be an original work, or from the public domain (proof required), or, if copyrighted by another, accompanied by a letter of permission from the copyright owner. If the winning composition includes text from the public domain or copyrighted material, the composer must provide a signed and notarized statement verifying its eligibility for use.
  • The Composition’s music and text may not infringe on any U.S. laws or regulations, including, without limitation, copyright or licensing laws.
  • Each contestant may only submit one entry per year.
Composition Guidelines
  • Voicing: Primarily SATB (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass). While part divisi is allowed, excessive use is discouraged.
  • Accompaniment: The piece may be a cappella or accompanied by one to two instruments (e.g., SATB choir with piano or SATB choir with vibraphone and hand drum).
  • Vocal Ranges:
    • Soprano: B3 – C6
    • Alto: G3 – G5
    • Tenor: C3 – B4
    • Bass: E2 – E4.
  • Length: Approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Accessibility and Singability: The Composition should strike a balance between challenge and accessibility for an advanced community choir. While it should allow for moments of technical brilliance, it should not be overly difficult to the point where it limits the choir’s ability to perform it expressively. The Composition should allow singers to express the text comfortably and with emotional depth. It could include some advanced choral techniques, but it should not be overly esoteric or atonal.
  • Language: The text may be sacred or secular and can be in any language. For non-English text, include a translation and pronunciation guide (IPA preferable).
Submission Details
  • All scores must be submitted in PDF format, 8.5″ x 11″ with pages numbered.
  • The composition’s scores must be clear and ready for duplication and performance, using a standard electronic engraving software program (i.e. Sibelius, Finale, Dorico, etc.).
  • The file name for the score must only contain the title and estimated performance duration of the composition on the front page (e.g., “CommonGround_4.50”).
  • Do not list the composer’s name on the score or anywhere in the .pdf file.
  • Note on the first page of your score if the text is original, public domain or a copyrighted text, accompanied by a letter of permission from the copyright owner.
  • For non-English texts, include a translation and pronunciation guide.
  • Written statement (up to 300 words) about the composition, the compositional process, or other relevant information about the piece for potential marketing or promotional purposes. The statement will not be shared with the judges during the evaluation process.
Recording Details
  • The file name of the .mp3 must only contain the title and estimated performance duration of the composition (e.g., “CommonGround_4.50”).
Important notes
  • Compositions will be reviewed by a third party to ensure they have met all competition requirements. Entries not conforming to the requirements will be rejected.
  • Contestants will be notified whether or not their submission has been accepted for adjudication.
  • All submissions will be reviewed by a third party after acceptance and before the adjudication process in an effort to prevent any conflicts of interest or perceived conflicts of interest arising during the adjudication process.
  • If you have technical issues or need to request assistance, please email us at composercontest@angelcitychorale.org.