This year, The Capital Hearings presents its 11th Annual Young Composers Competition. We want to hear from you. What do you believe in? What sparks your dreams? What struggles have threatened your faith, whether in goodness or God—and what inspires you to persist?
If you feel like you or someone you know has something to say–or find that something you’ve already written might speak to us–we’d love to hear it!
Today more than ever, communities around the world are experiencing deep uncertainty and fear. Whether we are experiencing the denial or erasure of basic rights once considered unalienable, or watching helplessly as violence and conflict spawns death and destruction, we are finding it harder and harder to believe in the ideals and ideas that we once cherished—and we are more and more desperate for bright spots to cling to in the midst of confusion and fear.
This theme explores faith in the traditional sense. But it also explores different kinds of human belief and faith—faith in love, faith in nationalism, faith in the strength of the human spirit. And it explores how music has helped communities weather storms of varying magnitudes—how humans have used music to express their grief and fear when their faith is shaken, and also to remind us all to keep the faith, even when it feels impossible.
All U.S. & Canadian residents aged 18-40 are welcome to submit a 2-5 minute original composition (arranged for mixed, unaccompanied choir) related to this theme, and we especially welcome submissions from unique or underrepresented perspectives – and in unique or underrepresented styles. Submissions are due by May 14, 2025, by 11:59 pm, and a prize of $1,000 will be awarded to the winner. Read the competition rules before submitting, and feel free to share widely with your network!
