AWARD:
$2,000 commissioning award + $750 travel stipend to attend premiere
World premiere during Khemia’s 2026-27 season
COMMISSION CONTEST OVERVIEW:
Khemia is seeking an enthusiastic, collaborative composer to commission and write a brand new 5-7 minute work for our full instrumentation:
Soprano, Flute, Clarinet, Violin, Cello, Piano, Two Percussion, Optional Multimedia
The winning composer will receive a $2,000 commissioning award, a world premiere performance during our 2026-27 season, and a $750 travel stipend to attend the premiere. Upon selection, the composer will collaborate with us throughout the whole process—including the development, workshopping, and premiere of the work. Don't know what Khemia is all about? Learn more about us here.
Check out the works written by our previous winners here: Bobby Ge: Pupil of Light and Florence Maunders: In Medias Res.
TIMELINE:
Application Deadline: July 1, 2025
Notification: September 1, 2025
Score Delivery: April 1, 2026
Premiere: During Khemia’s 2026-27 season
ELIGIBILITY:
There are no specific eligibility requirements. If you want to make music with us, please apply! The contest is open to composers representing all backgrounds, ages, races, gender identities, and geographic locations. For international applicants, please note Khemia is unable to cover fees for visas or exchange rates.
APPLICATION:
There is no fee to apply.
Contact Information
Composer Profile
Bio (250 words or less)
Link to website and/or SoundCloud (if applicable)
Narrative
What inspires you as a composer? (250 words or less)
What would this project help you achieve artistically? (250 words or less)
Work Samples
Two audio or video recording samples representing your best work (Any instrumentation is acceptable.)
Two score samples corresponding with your audio or videos recordings representing your best work
QUESTIONS? Please contact Chelsea at chelsea@khemiaensemble.com