Istantanea, in collaboration with the ECHI Festival, announces the first edition of the International Commissioning Project 2026, addressed to emerging composers of any age, nationality, or gender. Between one and three composers will be selected and commissioned to write a new piece for clarinet and cello (with the possibility to add electronics), to be performed by Michele Fontana and Elide Sulsenti during the ECHI Festival 2026 spin-off event at Castello di Mongiorgio in Bologna, Italy, June 2026, in collaboration with the association Castelli in Aria. One commission for clarinet and cello will receive 500 euro and two commissions for clarinet or cello will receive 300 euro each.

Eligibility

  • The call is open to emerging composers of any age, gender, or nationality.
  • Works included in the portfolio may have been previously performed, recorded, published, or awarded.
  • Scores must be complete and legible, in PDF format. Anonymity is not required.
  • Recordings must be provided in MP3 format; MIDI simulations are also accepted.
  • The commissioned works must have a maximum duration of 10 minutes (duo) and 7 minutes (solo).

Application Materials

  • One to three scores with corresponding audio recordings or MIDI simulations (anonymity not required)
    • at least one composition including a string instrument; OR
    • at least one composition including a woodwind instrument.
  • An updated curriculum vitae (PDF)
  • Personal and contact information (name, age, nationality, email, phone number, website, etc.)
  • A written proposal describing the concept for the new piece for clarinet and cello (optional) 
  • The receipt of payment for the application fee

Recording Rights

  • All selected composers will retain full rights to their works and may freely distribute or commercially publish the recordings and videos of their compositions.

Event Cancellation

In the event of a complete cancellation of the ECHI Festival 2026 spin-off, any application fees already paid will be fully refunded. The organizers also reserve the right to modify the dates, location, or format of the event in the case of extraordinary circumstances; any changes will be communicated promptly to the selected applicants.

Contacts