Composition Competition

The ACO champions new music.  Every two years, composers from around the world are invited to submit a composition in the Composition Competition.  The winner's piece is performed by the ACO in one of their regular concerts and the composer receives $1,000 cash prize.

Congratulations to Joshua Hummel.  His winning composition, Haiku Symphony No. 2 has won the 2011 competition and will be programmed as part of the 2012-2013 season.

Rules of Entry

• To enter the ACO Composition Competition, composers should submit a full, legible score and a MP3 recording by August 1, 2013 to:
  Dr. Lois Ferrari
  Southwestern University
  Sarofim School of Fine Arts
  1001 E. University Avenue
  Georgetown, TX 78626
  USA
• A recording of a live performance is preferred. A digital rendering will be accepted.
• Only one entry per composer.
• Submissions do not need to be premieres. Compositions that have been previously performed are permitted.
• Compositions should be written for standard full orchestra with the following appoximate instrumentation:
   45 strings - 20 violins, 10 violas, 10 cellos, 5 double basses
  Full winds and percussion*
  Harp
  Piano/keyboard
  *  Possible extras:  English horn, bass clarinet, saxophone
• No chamber works, concerti, or pieces that contain narrator, electronic, vocal, or multi-media parts.
• Submissions should be approximately 10-12 minutes in length and require no more than four or five hours of preparation for performance.
• Entry fee of $50.00 USD must be included with the submission.  Checks should be made out to "Austin Civic Orchestra."