Arcady-RBC Emerging Composer Competition

Arcady is pleased to present the ninth annual Arcady-RBC Emerging Composer Competition for new works for voice and piano or string quartet.

The award: The winner of Arcady’s 2025 Emerging Composer Competition will have their work premiered at an upcoming concert by members of Arcady’s professional ensemble. They will receive a recording and if desired, a one-on-one session with esteemed Canadian composer and Arcady’s Resident Composer and Artistic Director Ronald Beckett (via Skype or in-person). Please note: Travel expenses to the premiere are the responsibility of the prize recipient (though composers’ attendance is not required at the premiere).

Submission criteria:

Works must be written for solo voice or duet
Works must include accompaniment for piano or string quartet
3-5 minutes in duration
May be secular or sacred
Rights to texts must be cleared, and evidence of copyright holder’s permission provided
Composer will retain the copyright of the piece
Composer may submit up to two compositions
Arcady will retain the winning manuscript for future performances
Arcady retains the right to not pick a winner if there is no suitable winner
The competition is open to residents of any country

Eligibility:

Composers must self-identify as an emerging composer.

Submission process:

All applicants must fill out the online application form by May 3, 2025 (by 11:59 PM EST at the latest).
Submission materials should be uploaded to a folder in Google Drive, Dropbox, or a similar platform publicly accessible and linked in the application form. Please ensure the proper viewing permissions are enabled, submissions that do not have their viewing set to public will not be considered.

Required materials include:

Score(s) in PDF format
List of works in PDF format (1 page maximum)
Proof of rights to text in PDF format (if applicable)
MIDI recording or audio from a reading in MP3 format

Deadline: May 3, 2025, 11:59 PM EST

For additional information contact: arcadyensemble@gmail.com

The winner will be notified by June 9, 2025.

There is no fee to enter the competition, but applicants may make a donation to the non-profit organization to support the competition if they wish.