2024 Gardner Competition: Deadline Dec 1

2024 Maurice Gardner Comp

2024 Gardner Competition: Deadline Dec 1

Announcing the 2024 Maurice Gardner Competition for Composers
Submission Deadline: December 1, 2023

The American Viola Society proudly announces the 2024 Maurice Gardner Competition for Composers, seeking new works for the viola. The winning composition will be performed at the 2024 American Viola Festival, to be held at the Colburn School in Los Angeles, CA, USA on June 19-22, 2024, in conjunction with the 2024 Primrose International Viola Competition.

Anyone is welcome to submit a composition to the Gardner Competition. You may submit more than one composition for review. A $10 entrance fee will be charged for each submission.

The American Viola Society seeks to address the systemic and structural inequities that are part of the classical music world. We especially want to hear from composers who identify as BIPOC/ALAANA/LGBTQ. During the submission process we have made it possible to self-identify as a member of an underrepresented community.

All compositions will be anonymized and reviewed by a panel of judges which will be announced by October 1 and will include internationally known violists and composers.

Prizes to be awarded:

  • First Prize – $1000, plus:
  • A performance at the American Viola Society Festival June 19-22, 2024 at the Colburn School in Los Angeles, CA, USA
  • Reimbursement of travel expenses to the festival (amount up to $500)
  • Second Prize – $500

Submission portal opens on October 1, 2023. All entries must be submitted by December 1, 2023.

Composers of winning compositions will be notified via email or phone call by February 15, 2024.

Direct questions and inquiries to Martha Carapetyan, Competition Chair.