2026 Composer of the Year

Composer of the Year "Call For Scores"

The Sioux City Symphony Orchestra (SCSO) and Music Director Ryan Haskins are pleased to issue a "Call for Scores" for the SCSO’s 2026 Composer of the Year Competition.

The Sioux City Symphony Orchestra is committed to educating, developing, and promoting American composers. The SCSO Composer of the Year Competition is designed to annually highlight one talented composer who is currently in the early stages of their professional career. In addition to a five thousand US dollars ($5,000.00) monetary prize, the SCSO’s Composer of the Year will receive a premiere performance by the Sioux City Symphony, press/media coverage, scheduled lectures at selected local colleges and universities, and involvementin a variety of other community-related outreach programs.

In addition to the performance, the Sioux City Symphony has arranged to broadcast and digitally archive the concert on its on-demand platform and app SCSO.LIVE. The Composer of the Year will be granted exclusive access to the post-concert release and any additional content, interviews, or behind-the-scenes footage from the featured concert and rehearsal process.

Competition Summary

Deadline:
Monday, May 18, 2026

‍Who May Apply:
US Citizens / Composers in the early stages of their professional career

‍Entry Fee:
No entry fee

‍Limitations:
One (1) work per applicant will be considered
Composition must be between 5 and 15 minutes
Concertos and choral works are not eligible

‍Instrumentation (Maximum):
‍3 fl [1.2.3/pic], 3 ob [1.2.3/eh], 3 cl [1.2/bcl.3/e-flat], 2 bsn, 1 cbn, 4 hn, 3 tp, 2 tbn, 1 b-tbn, 1 tuba, timp +3, pf/cel, hp, str

‍Prize:
Named SCSO Composer of the Year
$5,000 monetary prize
Premiere performance by the SCSO (April 17, 2027)

‍Submission Requirements:
Score (PDF format) submitted via email
Recording (MIDI acceptable)
Short bio (150 words max, PDF format)
Curriculum Vitae (including contact information and proof of US citizenship)