The NuovoSound Ensemble is thrilled to announce our inaugural call for scores, with the winning scores to be performed at our free Spring 2026 concert on April 26th, 2026, to be held at the Robert Carr Chapel in Fort Worth, TX.

The NuovoSound Ensemble is a newly established DFW-based chamber music ensemble with a mission to cherish works by living artists, connect audiences meaningfully and musically to important cultural issues, and provide opportunities for the next generation of composers. We are comprised of current and former students at the Texas Christian University (TCU) School of Music, and our instrumentation consists of string instruments (violin, viola, cello) and piano.

For our upcoming Spring 2026 concert, we desire to perform three (3) works by living and emerging composers based anywhere in the world. For this call, we will select two (2) winners who are currently pursuing or intending to pursue a bachelors, masters, or doctoral degree in music at any accredited institution, and additionally (1) winner who has not yet begun higher education (e.g., still in High School).

Eligibility 

  • Entrants must be pursuing a bachelors, masters, or doctoral degree in music (does not have to be composition) at any accredited institution, or have not yet begun higher education.
    • Individuals who are taking a gap year between degrees are eligible to submit.
  • There is no upper age limit.
  • Entrants may be based anywhere in the world.

Application Details

  • At most, submissions may be scored for (2) Violins, (2) Violas, (1) Cello, and (1) Piano. Any subset of this instrumentation is accepted and encouraged (including solo works).
  • The use of electronics is not permitted this year, unfortunately.
  • Works may be no longer than six (6) minutes.
  • Works can either be standalone pieces or a movement(s) from a larger work.
  • Works must have been written after January 1st, 2020.
  • Works may have been performed previously.
  • Entrants will be asked to upload a pdf of the full score and submit link(s) to an audio recording (live or MIDI) of their work in the application. Link(s) must remain available until June 1st, 2026. Broken links or links that require a password will not be considered.
  • Parts and program notes will be requested once winners are announced.
  • Winners will be announced by March 24th.
  • Please keep in mind that the NuovoSound Ensemble consists of primarily undergraduate music students. As such, the feasibility of a successful performance will be considered when examining each submission.
  • Each submission contains a $15 application fee through PayPal to help offset necessary venue costs. Entrants may submit as many entries as they please, with still a $15 fee for each work. (A separate application need not be filled out for each entry).
    • If the $15 fee presents a significant financial barrier, please request a fee waiver by emailing NuovoSoundEnsemble@gmail.com. We do not want this fee to hinder anybody from applying!
  • Winners are encouraged to attend the free performance in Fort Worth, TX, but no transportation or lodging assistance can be provided.

Recording Rights 

Winners will receive a professionally mixed audio recording of their work shortly after the conclusion of the performance. The composer retains all recording rights of their recorded piece. The organization may publicize the recordings on YouTube, social media, etc.

If you have any questions, please email NuovoSoundEnsemble@gmail.com. We look forward to receiving your submissions and therefore continuing our mission of cherishing works by living and emerging artists! Thank you so much!