Registrations are open for the third edition of the “Luciano Berio” International Composition Competition organized and promoted by the Santa Cecilia National Academy in collaboration with the Luciano Berio Study Center, Teatro Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, Teatro Massimo di Palermo, Teatro Comunale di Bologna and Universal Edition (UE).
Reserved for composers under 35, the competition was created with the mission of promoting contemporary music and young composers through the creation and dissemination of new pieces for symphonic orchestra.
To participate in the Competition, two scores must be submitted by 28 February 2026, one for symphonic orchestra, the other with free instrumentation, starting from 3 instruments. It is possible to submit works that have already been performed or published.
The Winner of the 2025 “Luciano Berio” International Composition Competition will receive the following prizes:
- Commission of €20,000 for the composition of an original piece for symphony orchestra (including first performance rights) with the duration and instrumentation specified in Article 7;
- World premiere performance during the 2027-28 season of the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia;
- Performance in the concert seasons of partner orchestras;
- Inclusion of the newly commissioned work in the Universal catalog – published through SCODO – for worldwide distribution;
- Free two-year Professional subscription to the Scodo Universal Edition (EU) portal.
THE JURY
Daniel Harding President
Salvatore Sciarrino (Italy)
Marco Stroppa (Italy)
Unsuk Chin (South Corea)
Philippe Manoury (France)
Read the full announcement – view online
Declaration of exclusive authorship of the works submitted (pdf)
INFORMATION
Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia Fondazione
Tel: +39 06/328171
e-mail: compositioncompetition@santacecilia.it
The “Luciano Berio” International Composition Competition is a member of the World Federation of International Music Competitions (WFIMC)
