Associazione Istantanea APS, in collaboration with the Tower Jazz Composers Orchestra (TJCO) and Bologna Jazz Festival, is pleased to announce the International Big Band Composition Competition, open to composers of all ages and nationalities.
This competition presents a valuable opportunity for artistic exchange. Up to three selected works will be performed in concert and recorded by the TJCO at Torrione San Giovanni—a Renaissance UNESCO World Heritage site and home of the Ferrara Jazz Club in Italy. With support from the Italian Ministry of Culture (MIC) and the Emilia-Romagna Region, the overall winner will receive a €1,000 prize.
Members of the permanent TJCO ensemble are not eligible to participate.
Application Guidelines
Each composer may submit up to three pieces. For each submission, the following materials are required:
- full score in PDF format (preferably also in .sib or .mxl)
- audio file in MP3 format (MIDI or live recording)
- completed registration form (available on the official website)
- proof of payment of the entry fee
If the piece is selected, the composer must also submit individual instrumental parts in PDF format.
Submission Requirements
The submitted score must be:
- unpublished
- written specifically for the TJCO
- arranged for the entire orchestra
- highlight the ensemble’s multi-stylistic nature, improvisational approach, unique soloists, and the orchestral/timbral possibilities offered by instrumental doubling
Works incorporating mixed media (e.g., electronics, visuals, or other integrated languages) are also welcome.
Entry Fees
- 1 piece: €30
- 2 pieces: €50
- 3 pieces: €65