Fort Collins Symphony - Call for Scores - Deadline May 1, 2025

Call for Submissions: 2025 Fort Collins Symphony 

Composition Competition

The Fort Collins Symphony (FCS) is holding a competition to compose a concert opener of approximately 5-8 minutes in duration to be premiered during our 102nd season on Signature Concert #3 (tentatively scheduled for February 7, 2026). This competition seeks to honor the 250th anniversary of the birth of the United States while showcasing the creativity and talent of young Colorado-based composers.

The winning composer will receive:

• A $1,000 honorarium

• An archival recording of the performance by the Fort Collins Symphony

Eligibility Criteria:
To enter, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be studying in the state of Colorado or have graduated from a Colorado high school

• Be under the age of 30 as of February 1, 2026

• Have not yet achieved a Master’s Degree from a university

Submission Requirements:

1. The composition must be a fanfare or overture of 5-8 minutes in duration.

2. The work may have been composed previously but must not have been performed publicly.

3. The composition should be scored for a large orchestra, including:

   • 3 Flutes

   • 3 Oboes

   • 3 Clarinets

   • 3 Bassoons

   • 4 Horns

   • 3 Trumpets

   • 3 Trombones

   • 1 Tuba

   • Timpani, 3 Percussionists, Harp, Keyboard

   • Strings (Violin 1, Violin 2, Viola, Cello, and Bass)

4. Submit the following materials via email to jdenney@fcsymphony.org no later than May 1, 2025:

   • A digital copy of the score (PDF format)

   • A digital recording (synth mock-up preferred)

Key Deadlines:

• Winner announced: June 1, 2025

• String masters (1 part each) due: July 1, 2025

• Complete set of parts due: August 1, 2025

• Winning composition’s title page must include the phrase:
  “Winner of the 2025-2026 Fort Collins Symphony Composition Competition. Wes Kenney, Music Director.”

Additional Information:

• The winning composer must attend FCS rehearsals during the week prior to the premiere.

• FCSO will maintain the right to perform the winning work exclusively until February 1, 2027. After this date, the composer may seek additional performances.

• All submitted materials, including scores and parts, become the property of the Fort Collins Symphony.

• Promotional materials may be requested from the winning composer.

Judging & Adjudication:

• Entries will be adjudicated blindly by a panel, including Maestro Wes Kenney and musicians of the Fort Collins Symphony.

• All decisions by the panel are final.

We look forward to receiving your submissions and celebrating the musical creativity of Colorado composers!

For questions or additional details, contact jdenney@fcsymphony.org.