CALL FOR SCORES
EarShot Readings:
Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra
OVERVIEW
EarShot Readings: Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra
Madison, WI
January 20-21, 2027
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 a program of the American Composers Orchestra, in partnership with the League of American Orchestras, American Composers Forum, and New Music USA. Over the past 10 years, the program has initiated dozens of composer/orchestra/conductor relationships across the country, offering opportunities to nearly 200 composers. In 2016, ACO launched a composer archive of past EarShot compositions as a resource to the field. Orchestras across the country and around the world rely on EarShot to identify and connect with creative artists, as well as to advise on commissions, competitions, and program design. For over a generation, EarShot Readings (est. 2008) as well as ACO’s New Music Readings (‘Whitaker’ from 1993-2009, ‘Underwood’ from 2009-2020, ‘EarShot in NYC’ from 2022 onwards) have provided all-important career development and public exposure to the country’s most promising emerging composers, with over 350 composers participating. For more information on EarShot Readings and ACO’s other Composer Advancement programs, click here.
CALL FOR SCORES
The Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra (WCO) is seeking composers with works for chamber orchestra [2222-2200-timp+1-strings(65432)] to be rehearsed, performed, and recorded in Madison, WI on January 20 and 21, 2027, offering selected participants the opportunity to collaborate with mentors consisting of both established orchestral composers and industry leaders. This collaboration is a part of WCO's 5-year recording project highlighting the works of BIPOC composers. This opportunity is open to all composers. Compositional quality is still the primary deciding factor; all composers who meet the general EarShot Readings eligibility are welcome to apply.
There is no application fee. Travel (up to $700) and local accommodations are provided. Featured artists will receive recordings of their works for both personal and professional use.
ELIGIBILITY
- This opportunity is for composers who have had 2 or fewer pieces performed by a professional orchestra (30+ players). University, college, youth, and/or festival orchestra performances, as well as performances that have taken place in conjunction with any composer advancement initiative or program, do not count toward the number of pieces “performed by a professional orchestra.”
- Canadian, Mexican, Central American, Caribbean, and South American applicants must be a citizen or non-citizen lawfully and permanently residing or studying full-time in their respective countries. U.S. applicants must be either a U.S. citizen or non-citizen lawfully and permanently residing or studying full-time in the United States. DACA recipients are eligible to apply.
- There are no age restrictions; applicants should be composers/artists at the early stages of their professional orchestral careers.
- Composers selected to participate in any previous EarShot Reading are ineligible.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
- Applicants may submit one work for this opportunity. Applicants may not submit multiple scores.
- Compositions must be less than 13 minutes in length. A portion or movement from a longer work will be considered.
- Submitted works must not exceed the instrumentation parameters outlined by the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra (65432 strings *2*222 2200 Tmp +1).
- 2nd flute doubling piccolo
- 2nd oboe doubling English horn
- 2nd flute doubling piccolo
- Compositions that include MIDI, digital technology, amplification, and/or sound reinforcement will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Concertos, vocal works, and works for string orchestra, woodwind, or brass ensemble are not eligible.
- Do not submit recordings.
- Incomplete, illegible, or late applications will not be considered.
HOW TO APPLY
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
In-progress applications cannot be saved. To view a PDF of the blank application,
Submissions must be received by 11:59 PM EST on Sunday, September 13th, 2026 to be considered.
SELECTION PROCESS
Scores are reviewed by a panel of composers representing various backgrounds, demographics, and musical styles. Panelists rate the scores numerically on criteria including originality, technical proficiency, and orchestration. Selected scores will advance to a second round of panelists, including ACO’s Artistic Director, who will in turn select a group of finalists. From these finalists, participants will be selected by the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra in collaboration with ACO staff.
If Selected:
- Selected composers will be notified via email by October 9th, 2026. Alternates will be invited to participate as needed.
- Composers must be available and ready to attend the required reading sessions, feedback meetings, and professional development workshops. Childcare and/or accommodations for physical disability and neurodiversity will be provided upon request.
- Composers must provide professional, legible orchestral parts and scores prepared according to guidelines established by the Major Orchestral Librarians Association. Materials must be completed and available no later than October 16, 2026.
- 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.
QUESTIONS & INFORMATION
For questions or comments on EarShot or the call for scores, please contact LaRob K. Rafael, Director of Composer Advancement: larob@americancomposers.org