Call for Scores

Summermusik with resident ensemble Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra in partnership with Chamber Orchestra of Pittsburgh, Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle (NC), and Reno Chamber Orchestra announce the third annual Kreitler Commission Competition. This blind competition is open to composers of any nationality and age.

The competition is in memory of composer John Henry Kreitler who was passionate about providing opportunities for emerging composers.

Prizes
-Four (4) performances of the winning work during the 2027-2028 season with a premiere in Cincinnati, OH, USA in August 2027.
-Professional video recording of the premiere performance.
-Cash prize of US$10,000.
-Travel stipend up to US$750 for travel expenses to attend rehearsals and the concert in Cincinnati.
-Lodging during the duration of the Cincinnati residency.

Application Instructions: Revised for 2026
-Applications must be able to provide one (1) work sample.
-This should be the applicant’s best work showcasing their ability to write for orchestra (chamber orchestra preferred).
-Submitted scores must have all identifying information redacted including name, commissioning organization, program notes, and other details that could give away your age, gender, ethnicity, or location. Scores that are not anonymous will not be considered.
-If submitting a multi-movement work, please only submit one movement.
-Transposed scores are highly preferred.
-Do not provide notes for the judging panel. Please make sure that any comments in PDF scores are deleted.
-Please indicate the date of the composition on the title page of the score.
-Submitted recordings can be of a live performance (preferred) or MIDI.
-An application fee of US$50 must be received following the instructions in the application form in order for the application to be considered. Prospective applicants with a demonstrated financial need may request a reduced application fee by emailing gidley@summermusik.org.

Judging Process- Revised for 2026
The judging panel will only receive your redacted score and audio/MIDI recording. The panel consists of conductors, musicians, and composers with one individual selected from each partner orchestra.

Each of the four (4) judges will randomly receive a quarter of the scores and recordings and will individually select their top three (3).

The twelve (12) semifinalists will be contacted in early May 2026 and asked to submit an additional score, which shall be their best work regardless of instrumentation. They will have one (1) week to make this submission.

The entire judging panel will then convene to select their top three (3) from the twelve (12) semifinalists. Finally, each judge will vote for their top choice from among the three (3) finalists.

Deadline for submission:
Monday, March 30, 2026, 11:59 pm Eastern Time

Those advancing to the semifinal round will be contacted in early May 2026.
The winner will be announced in June 2026.

Questions? Email Summermusik Executive Director Evan Gidley at gidley@summermusik.org

Requirements for Commission if Selected as Winner:
-Work must be between 12 and 20 minutes in duration.
-Instrumentation available:
2 flutes (piccolo doubling possible), 2 oboes (English horn doubling possible), 2 clarinets (bass clarinet doubling possible), 2 bassoons (contrabassoon doubling possible), 2 horns, 2 trumpets, Timpani, Strings
Plus, up to two (2) additional musicians from the following list: Trombone, Tuba, Percussion, Piano, Harp
-Winner will have approximately one (1) year to composer the new work. The final score will be due on June 1, 2027.
-Winner should be available in August 2027 for travel to Cincinnati.