Open call: International Contemporary Composition Award 2026

The competition, organised in collaboration with Alopex Records, accepts original contemporary compositions written for a range of formats, including solo instruments, chamber music, orchestra, electronics, voice, mixed media, and ethnic or traditional instruments.

Works may be submitted in a variety of contemporary classical styles, including:

• Contemporary classical
• Neo-classical
• Cinematic contemporary
• Experimental
• Minimal
• Electroacoustic

No musical score is required, and audio-only submissions are accepted. Each entry must include an MP3 recording, which may be a live, MIDI or studio recording.

Eligibility and submission requirements

The competition is open to composers of all ages and nationalities. Multiple submissions are permitted, with a separate entry fee required for each submission.

Applicants must submit:

• One MP3 recording of the composition
• A short biography
• An artistic photograph
• Proof of payment

The submitted work must be an original composition and should have a duration of between one and 15 minutes.

Applications can be submitted through the official application form or by email to [email protected].

The registration fee is €35 (about $40) per submission, payable via PayPal. Applicants are responsible for any transfer or bank charges. Alternative payment methods can be arranged by contacting the organisers.

Awards and opportunities

Three winning composers will receive:

• An official digital release through Alopex Records
• Professional mastering for digital streaming platforms
• Worldwide digital distribution on platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Tidal and Amazon Music
• Official artwork design
• A professional certificate
• Promotional exposure through Classic Pure Vienna platforms

The jury may also award a Jury Special Prize and Honourable Mention.

Selected winning works will be released on major streaming platforms through Alopex Records. Composers will retain full copyright, publishing and master ownership of their works.

By entering, participants grant Classic Pure Vienna and Alopex Records non-exclusive rights to distribute and promote the works digitally and to make them available for streaming. All streaming revenues and royalties will remain with the composers. Alopex Records will manage ISRC and UPC registration and digital distribution.

Jury and evaluation

Submissions will be assessed by an international jury appointed by Classic Pure Vienna. The panel includes:

• Çağrı Beklen – Composer, producer, founder of Classic Pure Vienna and Voting Member of the Recording Academy / GRAMMY Awards
• Chikara Shiojima – Musician and former long-term professor, currently active at Mersin State Opera
• Edith Lettner – Vienna-based saxophonist, composer and improviser
• Emiko Saito – Performer and musician involved in international contemporary music collaborations
• Barış Can Bilgin – Composer and producer working across contemporary, cinematic and cross-genre music

Entries will be evaluated on:

• Musical originality
• Artistic identity
• Sonic character
• Contemporary musical language
• Emotional and expressive impact

The jury’s decisions are final, and no individual feedback is guaranteed.

Key dates

• Applications open: 20 July 2026
• Apply here before 15 September 2026
• Winners announced: 30 September 2026

Composers interested in applying can submit their work through the competition’s application process or contact Classic Pure Vienna at [email protected] for further information.

View the original call here.

Disclaimer: Opportunities published on this platform are provided by external organisers. While we aim to share accurate and current calls, Music In Africa is not responsible for the organisation, management or delivery of any related events or programmes.