Call for Scores 2026-2027
The Lincoln Sudbury Civic Orchestra, a Massachusetts non-profit community orchestra located in Sudbury, MA, is seeking a composition for symphony orchestra to perform at its May 2027 concert, written by an emerging composer, who currently resides in New England (ME, MA, NH, VT, CT, RI). One of the missions of the LSCO is to provide opportunities to under-recognized and developing performers, conductors and composers. The LSCO performs the standard classic orchestra repertoire including 20th & 21st century tonal based works. This call for scores is designed to give emerging composers an opportunity to share their efforts in orchestral composition with a wider audience.
Submissions must be in the form of a legible score that employs orchestral instrumentation. The work must be between 5 and 10 minutes in length. Tonality is encouraged. Composing for orchestral instruments is essential. Available instrumentation: 8-1st violins, 8-2nd violins, 5 violas, 6 celli, 3 CB, piccolo, 3 flutes, 3 clarinets, bass clarinet, 2 oboes, English horn, alto sax, 2 bassoons, 4 horns, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones, tuba, classical guitar, accompaniment piano, 3 percussionists, (drums, auxiliary, keyboard, timpani) – possibly Harp.
Digital sounds will be considered if well integrated and not dominating the work. Works will be judged on artistic expression, playability, and appropriate orchestration. Virtuoso play is possible with some sections but may become a performance liability if it is a consistent part of the submitted work.
The chosen composer agrees to work cooperatively with our Music Director to resolve performance issues. Submittal period begins June 30, 2026, and ends September 30, 2026. The composer of the chosen work will be contacted by November 1, 2026. Each composer will receive an assessment of his or her submission. $500 will be awarded to the composer of the chosen work upon a successful spring concert presentation. Master parts must be ready by mid-January 2027. Part duplicating is handled by the orchestra. Rehearsals for the work will begin as early as Jan 26, 2027. The chosen composer is expected to sign a simple independent contractor’s agreement for project completion and award transfer. A registration fee of $25 is required, payable by check or money order or Paypal to Lincoln-Sudbury Civic Orchestra, mailed to LS Civic Orchestra, PO Box 178, Hudson, MA 01749 and included with each submission. If you want your printed score returned, check the appropriate location on the form and supply an additional $25 to cover return shipping. Please include a one page vitae of your experience in music. Digital scores in the form of a PDF file will be accepted for assessment. However, the composer must supply a paper score of the chosen work by January 15, 2027, for the rehearsal period. Contact the Managing Director at lscivicorchestra@gmail.com to arrange for a digital submission.
The submitting composer retains all associated copy and performance rights of the submission. The chosen composer will grant to the LSCO the right to copy, perform, broadcast and video record the performance of the submittal without expense for these express purposes. Contact lscivicorchestra@gmail.com for further questions.
Please complete the form below and include it with your submission.
