ANNOUNCING the 18th ANNUAL JOHN EATON MEMORIAL COMPETITION
The New York Composers Circle proudly announces its 18th John Eaton Memorial Competition, named in honor of our beloved long-time Honorary Member, John Eaton (1935-2015), dedicated to solo or chamber ensemble works (1-4 performers). The competition is open to composers residing in the New York City metropolitan area and adjacent regions of New Jersey and Connecticut, with no age restrictions. Current NYCC members and past NYCC competition winners are not eligible to apply. The winning composition will be performed at one of NYCC’s concerts during the 2025-2026 season. Additionally, the winner will receive a one-year membership to the New York Composers Circle.
Submission Guidelines:
- Pieces should be scored for a maximum of 1-4 musicians for live performance (excluding harp, percussion, or exotic instruments).
- Pieces may include electroacoustic/electronic elements in addition to the four instruments.
- The duration of pieces should be between 5 and 15 minutes.
- Pieces must not have previously been recognized as a winner or finalist in any other competition within the New York City metropolitan area (including Westchester County, Long Island, and Staten Island), New Jersey, or Connecticut.
- Submitters must reside (students included) in the New York City metropolitan area (including Westchester County, Long Island, and Staten Island), New Jersey, or Connecticut.
- Only ONE piece (one entry) per applicant will be accepted.
- Composers of the winning work are encouraged (but not required) to attend the performance of their piece.
- Failure to comply with ALL guidelines will lead to disqualification from this contest.
All media produced by NYCC, whether of performances or other events, are the intellectual property of New York Composers Circle, Inc. and are protected under United States copyright law. Violations of any of the terms of the Media Use Policy will constitute a breach of trust, contract, and copyright, and actions may be taken by NYCC, including removal of unfairly used media, termination of membership, and legal action. In all circumstances, music compositions in themselves remain the intellectual property of the composer.
To Apply:
- Please submit a completed application form here (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdeVMs2lGVL5cZ-q291Fh64zXg5OsNZC2cfFAt2q42Lf2FvpQ/viewform?usp).
- Include a PDF copy of one score for a solo or chamber ensemble work (1-4 performers).
- Include an MP3 or a public link (YouTube, SoundCloud, or Vimeo) to a recording of a recent performance or a computer realization.
- Include a brief biography and program note.
- A $25 entry fee is required. To pay the fee, please click here (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/nycccomposers?country.x).
Deadline:
- The deadline for receipt of materials is midnight on Friday, May 16, 2025.
- Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
- All decisions made by the NYCC Selection Committee are final and may not be challenged.
The winning work(s) will be announced on our website and social media outlets by July 30, 2025.
If you have questions about the competition or application process, please email David Mecionis, Executive Director and Artistic Director, to david.mecionis@newyorkcomposerscircle.org.