The SGV Symphony invites music creators of all backgrounds, ages, identities, and career stages to submit original orchestral works for consideration in our inaugural Call for Scores. This opportunity is open to composers worldwide, with no age limits or educational requirements. The selected work will be featured on an upcoming SGV Symphony summer concert.

This call also serves as a fundraiser for Arts Bridging The Gap’s youth arts programs. Each entry is tied to a donation supporting ABG’s mission of expanding access to the arts for young people in the San Gabriel Valley.

Eligibility

• Open to all composers, regardless of age, nationality, gender, identity, ability, or career stage.
• Previously performed works are allowed, as long as they are unpublished and the composer retains the rights.
• No in-person attendance is required; participation and communication can be entirely virtual.

Submission Materials

Applicants should prepare the following materials before beginning the form:

• PDF of the score (any orchestral instrumentation is welcome).
• Optional audio: MIDI, mockup, or live recording.
• Short bio (up to 100 words).
• Program note (up to 150 words).
• Works should be 3–7 minutes in duration.
• Scores will be reviewed anonymously—please remove your name from the score.

We welcome a range of notation approaches. If your work uses non-traditional notation or has a significant visual/media component, you may upload an accompanying video.

Instrumentation

You may submit any orchestral instrumentation.
If selected, the composer may be asked to adapt or re-orchestrate the work to fit SGV Symphony’s performing forces. No parts or revisions are required unless your piece is selected.

Entry Fee / Donation Structure

To support ABG’s youth programs, each entry corresponds to a donation.

• Early Entry: $20 through December 31
• Regular Entry: $30 through January 15
• Each donation includes one entry.
• Fees go directly toward the administrative and production costs of the call and toward ABG’s youth arts initiatives.
• If the fee presents a financial barrier, applicants may contact us for a waiver option.

Compensation

Selected composer(s) will receive:

• A performance on an SGV Symphony summer 2026 concert.
• A high-quality live recording of the performance (non-exclusive).
• Public announcement of finalists or honorable mentions to support emerging artists’ portfolios.
  No travel or attendance is required. No costs will be charged to the composer beyond the initial submission donation.

Timeline

• Applications Open: November 2025
• Early Entry Deadline: December 31
• Final Deadline: January 15
• Results Announced: Late Q1 2026
• Performance: Summer 2026

Rights

Composers retain all rights to their work.
SGV Symphony requests only the non-exclusive right to perform the selected piece in the summer 2026 program. No exclusivity is required.

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