Litha Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce its 2026 Composition Contest! This opportunity is open to composers of any age or background from anywhere in the world. The winning work will be performed by Litha Symphony at its July 25, 2026 concert in New York City, and the composer will receive a $1,500 cash award.

Litha’s 2026 summer season, “The Americas,” explores the vibrant musical voices and stories of North, Central, and South America. While submissions are not required to reflect this theme, works that speak to the diverse musical cultures of the Americas are greatly encouraged. We especially welcome submissions from composers of Central and South American heritage.

The winning composer will receive:

• A $1,500 cash prize
• A world premiere performance by Litha on July 25, 2026
• A live audio recording of the performance
• The opportunity to attend the concert and a rehearsal (attendance is encouraged, but not required)

Eligibility

• Open to composers of any age or nationality
• No previous performance history is required
• There is no application fee
• There is no limit on the number of works a composer may submit (each must be submitted separately)
• Composers may not submit works that:
  • Have been previously performed publicly & will not be a world premiere on July 25, 2026
  • Feature concertante or solo instrument(s) with orchestra (e.g. concertos)
  • Include vocals, chorus, or narration

Instrumentation
Submitted compositions must not exceed the following instrumentation:
    3 flutes (may include piccolo, alto, or bass flute)
    3 oboes (may include English horn)
    3 clarinets (may include E♭ and bass clarinet)
    3 bassoons (may include contrabassoon)
    4 horns
    4 trumpets
    3 trombones
    1 tuba
    timpani
    Up to 6 percussionists
    1 harp
    1 keyboard (celesta or ensemble piano)
    Strings

Optional:

• Smaller orchestrations (e.g. strings-only) are welcomed.
• Works exceeding the listed instrumentation will not be considered.
• Saxophones may be permitted on a case-by-case basis.

Submission Guidelines
Application deadline: March 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM EDT
Submit the following materials via our online form (link to be provided at www.lithasymphony.org/composition-contest):

• A PDF score of the composition
• An audio rendering (digital rendering or MIDI preferred; MP3 or private streaming links acceptable)
• A composer bio
• A brief program note
• Contact information (name, email, location)

There is no application fee, and no limit on submissions. Each work must be submitted separately.
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​Optionally, if you would like to mail your entry, please send a printed score along with a brief biography, written description of your piece, and a flash drive/SD card with an audio sample of your work to:

Litha Symphony Orchestra
Attn: Composition Contest
P.O. Box 8085
New York, NY 10116

Timeline

• March 31, 2026 – Submission deadline
• April 2026 – Our panel of judges will review submissions
• May 2026 – The winner will be contacted privately
• June 1, 2026 – Public announcement of the winning composer
• June 15, 2026 – Deadline for submission of final parts and bound score

If the selected composer does not respond within a reasonable timeframe, an alternate winner may be chosen.

Performance and Rehearsal

• The winning work will be premiered by Litha Symphony on Saturday, July 25, 2026
• Invited rehearsals will occur on Tuesday, July 21 and Thursday, July 23, 2026 in New York City
• Attendance at the rehearsals and performance is optional but highly encouraged
• Modest travel support may be available for U.S.-based composers upon request

Questions?
Contact us at [email protected]
Visit www.lithasymphony.org/composition-contest for updates

Fine Print: All submissions must be received by Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM EDT. Mailed entries will not be returned. Submitted works must be original, unpublished, and not previously performed in public. Composers retain all rights to their submitted works. Works will be reviewed by a panel of adjudicators that includes members of Litha Symphony’s Board of Directors and invited outside judges. Playability will be a key consideration, as Litha Symphony is a volunteer-based community orchestra. The selected winner will be notified by email in early to mid-May 2026, and a public announcement will be made no later than June 1, 2026. If the selected composer does not respond to notification within seven (7) days, Litha Symphony reserves the right to select an alternate winner. Litha Symphony reserves the right to decline to name a winner if no submission meets the artistic and practical criteria. Litha Symphony also reserves the right to cancel the contest at any time.​ All judging decisions are final.