CALL FOR SCORES
Lake George Music Festival “Call for Scores”
The Lake George Music Festival is a strong supporter of contemporary classical music, and annually hosts an international Call for Scores to promote its continued development and dissemination. Our mission is to support and celebrate the next generation of leading composers and promote their work within our community. We will pair the most promising works with our roster of exceptional performers, fostering long-lasting relationships between artists of the highest caliber.
HOW TO APPLY:
Fill out the following form during the submission period. The 2025 Call for Scores application will be available from Dec 1 - Jan 31 2025.
Composers may submit only one piece per application cycle.
Scores submitted should demonstrate legible, professional engraving standards and be accompanied by a recording of the work (live performances strongly encouraged, midi acceptable).
Please fill out all information carefully and make sure links to any recordings are publicly accessible. Password protected or broken links will not be reviewed and will disqualify your application. Application materials must be submitted electronically; no postal mail submissions will be accepted.
Questions about the application process should be directed to info@lakegeorgemusicfestival.com
ELIGIBILITY:
Composers of any age and nationality are eligible, including students currently enrolled in degree granting programs.
Availability to attend the festival is preferred but not required.
GUIDELINES:
Eligible pieces must strictly adhere to the following guidelines. Works that fall outside of the provided categories will not be considered. Submitted compositions should be:
● An original work of chamber music composed within the last 5 years
● No longer than a maximum 25 minutes in duration
● Scored for 3 to 8 players, from the following available instrumentation:
○ Flute, piccolo, oboe, english horn, Bb clarinet (no bass clarinet), bassoon, horn, trumpet, piano, percussion, violin, viola, cello, double bass
○ Any combination of the provided instruments will be acceptable, with a maximum of two of the same instrument, for example, a maximum of 2 flutes, 2 oboes, piano four hands, etc. Works requiring 2 pianos cannot be considered.
○ Works should be acoustic, without amplification or electronics
○ Prepared piano may be permitted, but significant preparations which require lengthy setup time is not encouraged
○ Composer-Performers welcome! If you are also a performer and your instrument (or voice) is not included in this list, please indicate in your application that you will be participating with the ensemble to perform your own work. If selected, you must confirm your availability for the scheduled rehearsal period at the festival. There is no additional performance fee should you choose to perform in your own work.
● Composers will be required to provide a professionally engraved set of score and parts in pdf format to the festival if selected as a winning entry for concert programming.
● All steps outlined above must be completed and submitted in their entirety by the deadline. No exceptions will be made! PLEASE SUBMIT EARLY. If you wait until January 31st, we cannot guarantee that any technical issues or questions that may arise during your attempted submission will be resolved by the application deadline.
THE SELECTION PROCESS:
Winners of the Call for Scores will be Announced by mid-March 2025.
Up to 2 compositions will be selected to receive a live performance at the Lake George Music Festival’s upcoming season.
The winning composers will also be invited to Lake George to work with the musicians performing their piece and may be invited to share their work with the Composers Institute depending on scheduling availability. A modest travel stipend of $250, lodging, and some meals will be provided to facilitate attendance at the festival. Attendance at the festival is encouraged but not required.
Composers agree to provide the score and parts in pdf format to the festival upon notification of selection.
FAQ:
IS THERE A FEE TO SUBMIT?
No, there is no fee to submit.
IS IT OK TO APPLY IF I’M A STUDENT?
Yes! All applications are welcome regardless of age or student status.
DOES THIS NEED TO BE A WORLD PREMIERE?
No! Previously performed and recorded works are absolutely eligible.
MY WORK WASN’T SELECTED, CAN YOU TELL ME WHY?
Due to the large number of submissions, feedback regarding individual submissions will not be provided. Application to the Call for Scores is extremely competitive, if you weren’t selected this year we encourage you to try again in future seasons!
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
We are looking for new compositions that will complement our current season programming, connect with our audiences, and enrich our artistic community. The practical feasibility of putting a work together in the short rehearsal period allowed for during the festival will be a consideration, in addition to the evaluation of artistic merit. The Lake George Music Festival values stylistically diverse programming, so we are not looking for any one aesthetic or style in particular, but rather are looking for composers with a strong artistic voice to expand the scope of our offerings and welcome new members to our festival family.
I’M NOT BASED IN THE U.S., CAN I STILL APPLY?
All composers are eligible regardless of nationality or residency status. Please note that the festival is conducted in English, and all materials must be translated to English in order for entries to be reviewed. Additional travel funding or assistance for international applicants cannot be supported at this time, but if selected we still hope you’ll be able to join us at the festival.
