Open call: 2027 Mizzou International Composers Festival   

The festival, which is entering its 18th year, will take place from 25 to 31 July 2027, with selected composers expected to arrive in Columbia on 24 July.

Applications close on 18 September 2026.

The tuition-free programme is open to composers aged 21 and above, with no upper age limit. Selected composers must be able to travel to Columbia and will be responsible for their flights and most meals.

The programme includes:

• Accommodation during the festival.
• Individual meetings with Distinguished Guest Composers Katherine Balch and David Longstreth.
• Rehearsals and sectionals with Alarm Will Sound.
• The premiere of a new work by each of the eight Resident Composers.
• Access to festival concerts and rehearsals.
• Professional recording and mixing of the premiere performances.
• Ground transportation in Columbia and, where possible, to and from nearby airports.
• Workshops, masterclasses and other professional development activities.

The festival will feature concerts of contemporary music at the Sinquefield Music Center and Missouri Theatre. Its programme will also include a concert by guest ensemble Ensemble Dal Niente.

The festival’s closing concert will feature eight world premieres, with each Resident Composer writing a new work for Alarm Will Sound, conducted by the ensemble's artistic director Alan Pierson.

Resident Composers will be selected through an online portfolio application process.

Applicants are required to submit:

• Three scores of original works demonstrating contrasting instrumentation. Applicants who have written for a large ensemble, such as an orchestra, sinfonietta, string orchestra or wind ensemble, are asked to include one such work among the three submissions.
• Recordings of the submitted works. Live recordings are preferred, although MIDI recordings are accepted.
• A CV or résumé, limited to two pages.

The application timeline is as follows:

• 18 September 2026: Applications close.
• Mid-November 2026: Selected composers are notified.
• January 2027: Public announcement of the selected composers.
• 15 April 2027: Draft scores deadline.
• 15 May 2027: Final scores deadline.

The selected composers will work directly with Balch and Longstreth during the festival, including individual consultations and opportunities to engage with Alarm Will Sound during the preparation of their works.

The festival's tuition, accommodation and ground transportation are supported by contributions from the Sinquefield Charitable Foundation. Resident Composers remain responsible for international or domestic flights to Columbia and their meals.

Application deadline: 18 September 2026

Festival dates: 25 to 31 July 2027

Arrival: 24 July 2027

Location: Columbia, Missouri, USA

View the original call here.