APPLY TO DEGAETANO COMPOSITION INSTITUTE
APPLY TO DEGAETANO COMPOSITION INSTITUTE
PROGRAM
Orchestra of St. Luke’s, in partnership with EarShot, announces a call for scores for the DeGaetano Composition Institute. Named for the late composer Robert DeGaetano, the DeGaetano Composition Institute supports the development of emerging composers and new works for chamber orchestras. The DeGaetano Composition Institute provides a six-month program for composers to develop a new work for chamber orchestra under the guidance of Composer Mentor Augusta Read Thomas.
The Institute culminates with a week-long New York City residency packed with opportunities to network and learn from industry professionals while working closely with conductor Brad Lubman and Orchestra of St. Luke’s. The Institute closes with a concert of the composers’ new works performed by Orchestra of St. Luke’s.
CALL FOR SCORES
EarShot is the first ongoing, systematic program for cultivating relationships between orchestras and composers across the Americas. In addition to its annual readings with the NYC-based American Composers Orchestra, EarShot works with an international network of orchestral partners each season to discover and develop composers whose work expands the definition of orchestral music in the Americas.
Earshot is partnering with OSL on recruitment for this program. Selected composers join EarShot alum in eligibility for future opportunities.
The Orchestra of St. Luke’s is seeking composers to commission new 7 - 12 minute works through the DeGaetano Composition Institute. The commissioned work will feature instrumentation (2.2.2.2 – 2.2.0.0 – Timp. Perc(2) – Strings).
HONORARIUM: $1,500.00 provided upon delivery of New Work.
Earshot is partnering with OSL on recruitment for this program. Selected composers join EarShot alum in eligibility for future opportunities.
The Orchestra of St. Luke’s is seeking composers to commission new 7 - 12 minute works through the DeGaetano Composition Institute. The commissioned work will feature instrumentation (2.2.2.2 – 2.2.0.0 – Timp. Perc(2) – Strings).
HONORARIUM: $1,500.00 provided upon delivery of New Work.
ELIGIBILITY
Orchestra of St. Luke’s and the DeGaetano Composition Institute are committed to proactively cultivating a diverse and inclusive group of applicants, and providing equality of opportunity to all prospective participants. These values guide our organization, including the selection process for the DeGaetano Composition Institute, which will employ blind and anonymous review of materials.
- Applicants must not have been a participant in a prior DeGaetano Composition Institute
- Applicants must be 18 years old as of December 1, 2025.
- Applicants must show proof of legal eligibility to work in the United States. Please visit https://www.uscis.gov/i-9 for a list of acceptable documents necessary to fill out the government I-9 form.
- Applicants must be US-based at the time of New York Residency.
- Applicants must be available to attend the full New York Residency July 24-29, 2026.
- Note: OSL will provide housing and (domestic) travel to participants for New York Residency.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must submit original composition(s) no more than thirteen (13) minutes in duration.
Composition Requirements:
- Composers must submit 2 work samples written in the past 5 years; one must be an orchestral work and one chamber work
- The submitted compositions must have a title.
- Program notes included with submitted files.
Application Requirements:
- Two full scores in PDF format
Handwritten scores will not be accepted.
Scores must adhere to Major Orchestra Librarians’ Association [MOLA] Guidelines - Program notes or a brief description of the composition
- Audio representation of the work, such as a MIDI mock-up or, if possible, a live orchestra reading (uploaded as link to audio file or video)
- CV/Resume
SELECTION PROCESS
Scores are reviewed by Augusta Read Thomas on criteria including originality, technical proficiency, and orchestration.
If selected:
- Selected composers will be notified via email by September 12th, 2025. Alternates will be invited to participate as needed.
- Selected composers will meet with Augusta Read Thomas on a monthly basis via zoom to support the development of New Work (January-June 2026). OSL musicians and staff are also available on an as-needed basis for any questions that arise.
- Composers must submit self-portraits/headshots and a short biography for media purposes.
- Composers must agree to be videotaped/audio recorded for archival and promotional purposes, and to have their music recorded for archival and study purposes.
Delievery Dates:
- March 1, 2026 First draft score deadline
- April 1, 2026 Second score deadline, along with a minimum of 3 parts
Violin 1
Horn 1
Percussion - May 1, 2026 Feedback from OSL musicians and librarian due
- June 15, 2026 Final score and final parts due
Residency Dates: July 24th - 29th, 2026
Premiere Concert: Tuesday July 28th, 2026
QUESTIONS & INFORMATION
For more information on the DeGaetano Composition Institute, click here.
For questions or comments on EarShot or the call for scores, please contact LaRob K. Rafael, Director of Composer Advancement: larob@americancomposers.org