Spiritus Chamber Choir invites composers to submit original choral works for consideration in our annual Choral Composition Competition. This initiative celebrates new voices in choral music, supports composers at all stages of their careers, and fosters creative collaboration between composers and performers.
Competition Structure
Phase 1 — Submission & Anonymous Review: All eligible scores are submitted anonymously and reviewed by a panel of three readers — the Artistic Director of Spiritus, plus two other conductors &/or professional choral singers.
Phase 2 — Finalist Selection: Up to 8 composers will be invited to participate in a Reading & Workshop Session with Spiritus in rehearsal (in person or virtual), on April 14, 2026.
Phase 3 — Reading & Workshop: Composers receive feedback from the choir and artistic team, and one outstanding work will be selected from the finalists for a public premiere in the 2026-2027 Spiritus Concert Season. A recording of the Workshop Session will be provided to each participant.
Prize: The premiere performance of the selected work; with a recording provided; additional recognition in Spiritus concert materials and press.
Eligibility
Open to composers of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels. Works must be original and unpublished, uncommissioned, and unperformed prior to submission. Composers may submit either one or two works.
Work Requirements
Scoring: Primarily a cappella or with piano accompaniment (SATB or divisi as appropriate).
Duration: 3 – 6 minutes in length
Text: Original text, public domain, or with proper permissions (if under copyright). Text should be clearly cited.
Format: Scores must be submitted as print-ready PDFs; audio mockups are encouraged but optional.
Submission Components
Anonymized Score (PDF) — title only (no composer name)
Non-anonymized Cover Letter — composer name, contact info, brief bio
Recording or MIDI Demo (optional but recommended)
Text Licensing Info (if applicable)
Submission Limit: Maximum two (2) works per composer.
Review Process
Phase 1: All submissions are evaluated blind by a panel focusing on musical craft, originality, vocal writing, and suitability for chamber choir performance.
Phase 2: Up to 8 composers selected as finalists will be notified and invited to join a rehearsal reading/workshop with Spiritus.
Phase 3: After workshop readings, the jury will select one work for premiere.
Finalists’ Reading & Workshop
Finalists will:
Participate in one rehearsal reading with Spiritus where they can hear their work performed live by the choir.
Receive constructive feedback from Artistic Director and choir members.
This reading is not judged in a competitive public event — it’s a professional development opportunity (similar in spirit to workshop sessions used by professional choral ensembles).
Awards
Premiere Selection: One winning composition will be chosen for performance in the next season’s Spiritus Chamber Choir concert.
Recognition: Program credit, optional rehearsal/performance recording of the winning work, and press/social media features.
Timeline
Call Opens February 17, 2026
Submission Deadline March 31, 2026
Finalists Notified April 14, 2026
Reading & Workshop Sessions Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Winning Work Announced Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Spiritus welcomes and encourages submissions from composers of all identities, experiences, and traditions. We strive for an inclusive competition that reflects the rich diversity of contemporary choral music.
Terms & Rights
Composers retain copyright; Spiritus receives performance rights for premiere and associated promotional activity. Works may be published or disseminated post-competition with composer permission.