Call for Scores
Summermusik with resident ensemble Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra in partnership with Chamber Orchestra of Pittsburgh, Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle (NC), and Reno Chamber Orchestra announce the second annual Kreitler Commission Competition. This blind competition is open to composers of any nationality and age.
The competition is in memory of composer John Henry Kreitler who was passionate about providing opportunities for emerging composers.
Prizes
Four (4) performances of the winning work during the 2026-2027 season with a premiere in Cincinnati, OH, USA in August 2026.
Professional video recording of the premiere performance.
Cash prize of US$10,000.
Travel stipend up to US$750 for travel expenses to attend rehearsals and the concert in Cincinnati.
Lodging during the duration of the Cincinnati residency.
Application Instructions
Applications must be able to provide exactly two (2) work samples:
One should be the applicant’s best work regardless of instrumentation
The other should be the applicant’s best work showcasing their ability to write for orchestra (chamber orchestra preferred)
If submitting a multi-movement work, only one movement should be submitted.
Submitted scores must be in PDF form and must have all identifying information redacted including name, commissioning organization, and other details that could give away your age, gender, ethnicity, or location. Scores that are not anonymous will not be considered.
Submitted recordings can be of a live performance (preferred) or MIDI.
An application fee of US$50 must be received following the instructions in the application form in order for the application to be considered. Prospective applicants with a demonstrated financial need may request a reduced application fee by emailing gidley@summermusik.org.
Judging Process
The judging panel will only receive your redacted scores and audio/MIDI recordings.
Each of the four (4) judges will randomly receive a quarter of the scores and recordings and will individually select their top six (6). The entire judging panel will then convene to select their top four (4) from the twenty-four (24) semifinalists. Finally, each judge will vote for their top choice from among the four (4) finalists.
Deadline for submission:
Monday, March 31, 2025, 11:59 pm Eastern Time
The winner will be announced in June 2025.
Questions? Email Summermusik Executive Director Evan Gidley at gidley@summermusik.org
– Work must be between 12 and 20 minutes in duration.
– Instrumentation available:
2 flutes (piccolo doubling possible), 2 oboes (English horn doubling possible), 2 clarinets (bass clarinet doubling possible), 2 bassoons (contrabassoon doubling possible), 2 horns, 2 trumpets, Timpani, Strings
Plus, up to two (2) additional musicians from the following list: Trombone, Tuba, Percussion, Piano, Harp
– Winner will have approximately one (1) year to composer the new work. The final score will be due on June 1, 2026.
– Winner should be available in August 2026 for travel to Cincinnati.