The National Music & Global Culture Society (New York) announces the NMGCS V International Composition Competition to recognize outstanding new full-scale musical works inspired by Azerbaijani folk songs. First prize receives $2,000; second prize receives $1,000; and third prize receives $500. All winners receive a certificate of excellence and a performance of their work at the Lincoln Center, Bruno Walter Auditorium in New York, USA.

Eligibility
The competition is open to composers of all nationalities with no age restrictions.

Composition Requirements

  • An original composition for solo instrument or small ensemble (up to 5 instruments), based on one or several of ten (10) pre-selected Turkic nations’ folk songs must be submitted.
    • Check the melodies here: Pre-selected Melodies
    • Contestants may also use any other Turkic nations’ folk songs, IN ADDITION to the obligatory one(s).
  • Pieces featuring voice will also be accepted (the number of performers should not exceed 5).
  • Submitted works should not exceed 15 minutes in duration.
  • There are no stylistic limitations.
  • The title of the piece should accurately mirror the title of the Turkic nations’ folk song from which it is derived.
  • Name of participant should not be included in the music score to maintain the integrity of the “Blind Jury” procedure.

Instruments
The composer may use only one of the instruments listed below (except violin and voice):

  • piano
  • violin (up to 2 in the ensemble)
  • viola
  • cello
  • double bass
  • flute
  • clarinet or oboe
  • voice (up to 2 in the ensemble): soprano, mezzo soprano, tenor, baritone

Application Materials 
All candidates must submit the following materials. Each candidate should submit only one composition. Large files can be submitted via third parties such as Google Drive or WeTransfer:

  • PDF copy of the original score
  • MP3 recording (MIDI realizations are accepted)
  • Short Bio or CV
  • A $10 non-refundable entry fee

Judging
The Competition Jury will include distinguished composers. A blind jury process will be used. The Jury decision will be final. Winners of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Prizes will be announced on September 18, 2026. The results of the competition will be published worldwide.