Commission Opportunity: EarShot Readings with National Arts Centre Orchestra

‍PROGRAM

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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. For nearly two decades, the program has initiated dozens of composer/orchestra/conductor relationships across the country, offering opportunities to over 390 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.

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CALL FOR SCORES

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Canada's  National Arts Centre Orchestra is seeking composers with works for Western symphonic orchestra (2222-4231-timp.perc(2)-str) to be rehearsed, performed, and recorded in Ottawa, ON, on November 17 & 18, 2025, offering selected participants the opportunity to collaborate with mentors consisting of both established orchestral composers and industry leaders. This collaboration between ACO and NACO aims to intentionally and directly nurture composers and works representative of the increased diversity we want to see on our stages. Priority consideration will be given to BIPOC, female, non-binary, and Canadian 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.

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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 citizens or non-citizens lawfully and permanently residing or studying full-time in their respective countries. U.S. applicants must be either a U.S. citizen or a 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.

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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 National Arts Centre Orchestra (2222-4231-timp.perc(2)-str).
• Compositions that include MIDI, digital technology, amplification, and/or sound reinforcement will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Do not submit recordings.
• Incomplete, illegible, or late applications will not be considered.

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HOW TO APPLY

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

In-progress applications cannot be saved. To view a PDF of the blank application, CLICK HERE.

Submissions must be received by 11:59 PM EST on Sunday, July 27th, 2025
11:59 PM EST to be considered.

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SELECTION PROCESS

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Scores are reviewed by a panel of composers representing various backgrounds, demographics, and musical styles. Panellists 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 National Arts Centre Orchestra in collaboration with ACO staff.

If Selected:

• 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 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.

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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

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EarShot is a program of American Composers Orchestra completed in partnership with American Composers Forum, the League of American Orchestras, and New Music USA. The program is made possible with lead support from Altman Foundation, Elizabeth and Justus Schlichting, Mellon Foundation, Sphinx Venture Fund, TD Charitable Foundation, Fromm Foundation, Ford Good Neighbor Committee, Jerome Foundation, BMI Foundation, and The New York Community Trust Van Lier Fellowships; additional support is provided by the Aaron Copland Fund for Music, Arthur F. & Alice E. Adams Charitable Fund, Alice M. Ditson Fund of Columbia University, G. Schirmer/Wise Music Foundation, and the League of American Orchestras with support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

Public funds are provided by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Lead support for EarShot CoLABoratory is generously provided by TD Charitable Foundation, Altman Foundation, Jerome Foundation, The New York Community Trust Van Lier Fellowships, and the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.