Open call: Phoenix Boys Choir 2026 choral competition

The 2026 competition is themed Pathways, reflecting the choir’s 2026/27 season and exploring themes of growth, transformation and forward movement. Organisers are particularly interested in compositions that examine perseverance, mentorship, discipline, purpose, connection and possibility.

The competition is open to works in any musical style or genre, including classical, jazz, gospel, spirituals, pop, rock, world and crossover music. Compositions may also incorporate optional choreography, body percussion and other movement-based elements.

Key requirements

• Eligibility: Composers of all ages and nationalities.
• Deadline: 15 August 2026 at 10pm MST/PDT.
• Entry fee: None.
• Maximum duration: Six minutes.
• Difficulty: Intermediate to advanced intermediate.
• Voicing: Works should be written for boys' choir with mixed voices, including SSA, SATB, SA or variations.
• Performance size: Suitable for 15 to 40 choristers.
• Accompaniment: Works may be accompanied or a cappella.
• Instrumentation: Up to five additional instrumental forces are permitted, provided the voices remain the primary focus.
• Divisi: Minimal divisi is acceptable.

All musical elements must be original and created without the use of AI or similar assistive technologies. Arrangements of existing works are not eligible.

Texts may be original or drawn from sacred or secular sources in any language. Composers using non-English texts must provide an English translation. Where copyrighted texts are used, applicants must provide evidence of the necessary rights and permissions.

Prizes

• First prize: $1 500
• Second prize: $1 000
• Third prize: $500

At its discretion, the Phoenix Boys Choir may cover some or all travel costs for winning composers to attend performances of their works. Winners and other selected composers may also have the opportunity to discuss publication through the Herbert Washington Choral Series with Santa Barbara Music Publishing.

Submission materials

Each entry must include:

• A clearly readable score in PDF format, without the composer's name to allow for anonymous judging.
• A standalone copy of the text, where it is not included in the score.
• An English translation of any foreign-language text.
• An MP3 audio realisation of the composition.
• Proof of rights and permissions for copyrighted texts, where applicable.

Entries can be submitted electronically through the competition's online submission form or by email to [email protected]. Applicants are required to compile their materials into a single digital folder or ZIP file.

The deadline for submissions is 15 August 2026, and there is no entry fee.

View the original call here.

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