The Lake George Music Festival is a strong supporter of contemporary classical music, and annually hosts an international Call for Scores to promote its continued development and dissemination. Up to two compositions (announced by mid-March 2026) will be selected to receive a live performance at the Lake George Music Festival’s upcoming season. The winning composers will also be invited to Lake George to work with the musicians performing their piece, and may be invited to share their work with the Composers Institute depending on scheduling and availability. A modest travel stipend of $250, lodging, and some meals will be provided to facilitate attendance at the festival. Attendance at the festival is encouraged but not required. Composers will be required to provide the score and parts in PDF format to the festival upon notification of selection.
The mission of the Lake George Music Festival is to support and celebrate the next generation of leading composers and promote their work within our community. They will pair the most promising works with our roster of exceptional performers, fostering long-lasting relationships between artists of the highest caliber.
Submission Guidelines
- An original work of chamber music composed within the last 5 years, less than 25 minutes, scored for any combination of 3-8 players (with a maximum of two of the same instrument, eg. 2 flutes, etc.) of the following instrumentation:
- flute
- piccolo
- oboe
- english horn
- Bb clarinet (no bass clarinet)
- bassoon
- horn
- trumpet
- piano
- percussion
- violin
- viola
- cello
- double bass
- Any combination of the provided instruments will be acceptable, with a maximum of two of the same instrument (ex. 2 flutes, 2 oboes, piano four hands, etc.)
- Works requiring two pianos cannot be considered.
- Works should be acoustic, without amplification or electronics.
- Prepared piano may be permitted, but significant preparations which require lengthy setup time is not encouraged.
- Composer-performers are welcome! If you are also a performer and your instrument (or voice) is not included in this list, please indicate in your application that you will be participating with the ensemble to perform your own work.
- If selected, you must confirm your availability for the scheduled rehearsal period at the festival.
- There is no additional performance fee should you choose to perform in your own work.