announcing our 2023 Emerging Composer Award!

This award will highlight an orchestral work by a composer 30 years of age or younger who identifies as Black, Indigenous, Latina or Latino, Asian, Pacific Islander, or as a person of color. Selected from an annual call for scores, the winning composition will be performed by One Found Sound and the composer will receive a $1,000 cash prize.

The deadline for applications is Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 11:59 PM PDT.

The winner of the 2023 Emerging Composer Award will receive:

  • A $1,000 cash prize
  • A performance of the winning composition by One Found Sound in San Francisco
  • A $500 travel stipend to attend the performance of their work (attendance at the performance is not required)
  • A live recording of the performance

Eligibility

  • Composer must be no more than 30 years of age on April 1, 2023
  • Composer identifies as Black, Indigenous, Latina/Latino, Asian, Pacific Islander, or a person of color.
  • There are no restrictions on nationality or location

Application Process

Application Requirements

  • Scores must be submitted in PDF form
  • Scores must be accompanied by a live or MIDI recording
  • Compositions must be no more than 10 minutes in length
  • Our orchestra consists of the following:  20 strings (5/5/4/4/2) + 2 2 2 2 – 2 2 0 0; 2 percussion, 1 harp. Preference will be given to works scored for mid- to large-size ensembles.
  • Compositions may not use piano
  • Winning compositions will be performed without a conductor. We urge applicants to keep this in mind when submitting works

alternate ways to apply

To submit your application via email:
Download and complete our fillable application form. Email your complete form and a PDF of your score to us at [email protected]. Email applications must be received by Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 11:59 PM PDT.

To submit your application via paper mail,
Click below to download and complete our fillable application form. Mail your complete form and a paper copy of your score to us at:

One Found Sound
Emerging Composer Award
85 Richland Ave. #6
San Francisco, CA 94110
Mailed applications must be postmarked on or before April 1, 2023.

download the 2023 emerging composer award application!

Questions? Contact: [email protected]