Emerging Composers Competition

The Canticle Singers of Baltimore has sponsored two Emerging Composers Competition, the most recent of which was sponsored by Canticle Singers member, Sharon McKinley. The winner of the competitions are listed below. Each winner received a $750 cash award and their composition are featured at the in-person and live-streamed Canticle Singers Winter Concert series, Music at St. David’s. They also receive a professionally mastered audio and visual recording of the performance. This year, Kevin Austin’s piece, “Winter Stars” will be featured at our Music at St. Daivd’s concert on December 6th at 7:30 PM at St. David’s Episcopal Church, 4700 Roland Ave, Baltimore, MD 21210.

Winner of 2022 – Debra Dyko

Winner of 2023 – Kevin Austin

Eligibility:

We feel it is important to lift up the voices of the next generation of composers, and we recognize that people may begin composing at any age. For the purposes of this contest, “emerging composers” may include those who have not received a major composition commission or award (e.g., awards or commissions in the multiple thousands of dollars, or of national or international repute, or have received publication contracts with major music publishers or record labels). If you are concerned about whether you qualify as an emerging composer, we encourage you or your teacher to reach out to canticlesingersbalt@gmail.com with any inquiries.

Criteria for Selection:

  • All entries will be reviewed by a jury consisting of 3 – 5 composers and conductors. 
  • The scores should be anonymous. The entry form will NOT be seen by the judges. Please do not put your name anywhere on the composition.
  • Submissions must be: 
    • original compositions (not arrangements of pre-existing tunes or carols, no revoicing of existing pieces)
    • scored for Women’s Choir (SSA, SSAA, and SSAA divisi).
    • 2-5 minutes in duration
    • either a cappella or piano and/or approved solo instrument(see the list here)
  • The work may utilize any style, genre, or text that would be appropriate for a winter concert. Composers using copyrighted texts must have permission from the relevant author/publisher.
  • Though the submitted works may be previously performed, they should not have previously received an award or monetary commission for that piece.
  • Submissions are limited to one entry per composer.

Submission Process:

Please stay tuned for more specific dates regarding our next competition.

  • Submissions are free for the entering composer
  • Applicants should complete this form
  • Submitted with this form should be a PDF file of an anonymous score. The applicant’s name should not appear on the score.

Additionally, applicants should submit a brief, one-page resume with their musical experience.

Inquiries:

Please send all inquiries to canticlesingersbalt@gmail.com. To learn more about us, please visit our website at www.Canticlesingers.org.