The open call for the MAX BRAND Composition Prize is out for the second time and is open to composers of all ages. The submission deadline is August 31, 2025.
Looking for: an innovative work that reflects the broad spectrum of new music and breaks new ground in the spirit of Max Brand, inspired by the rhythmic diversity of the world, the freedom of improvisation, the sounds of jazz, electronic innovation and every form of unusual sound design.
The MAX BRAND Ensemble aims to create innovative music and new listening experiences in the spirit of Austrian composer Max Brand. It is “curious” about compositional ideas that allow for contemporary and unusual perspectives and thus explore new frontiers. The composition is to be written for the MAX BRAND Ensemble.
The competition is organized by the MAX BRAND Ensemble and INÖK – the Lower Austrian Composers’ Association . The jury will award prizes to a maximum of three compositions. The prize money for the winning work is €5,000, provided by the Berndorf Private Foundation.
Artistic director and jury chairman: Richard Graf .
This competition is organized and carried out by INÖK.
DETAILs
CONDITIONS OF PARTICIPATION
The competition is open to everyone regardless of age, gender and nationality.
The submitted work must not have been performed before, not have been published by any publisher, and not have won a prize in any other competition.
INSTRUMENTATION
At least 8 of the following instruments must be used, (live) electronics is desired:
- Violin
- Viola
- Cello
- Double bass (or electric bass)
- Flute (also piccolo or alto flute)
- Bb clarinet (also bass clarinet)
- Oboe (also English horn)
- Saxophone (alto or tenor saxophone)
- Bassoon
- Bb trumpet
- Trombone
- Drum set including hand percussion (shaker, triangle, cabasa, maracas, tambourine, claves, ocean drum)
- (Live) electronics (and/or playback)
LENGTH OF THE WORK
10-15 minutes
SUBMISSION
Deadline: August 31, 2025
To submit your entry, please fill out the online registration form.
Jury decision by September 15, 2025
The composers of the selected works undertake to provide professional performance material free of charge by September 20, 2025.
PRIZES
1st Prize: € 5,000 (provided by the Berndorf Private Foundation ) and performance by the MAX BRAND Ensemble as well as recording (audio and video) as part of the “DAYS of NEW MUSIC” on October 23, 2025 at the “Porgy & Bess” in Vienna
Special Prize for the best composition by a female composer : performance by the MAX BRAND Ensemble as well as recording (audio and video) as part of the “DAYS of NEW MUSIC” on October 23, 2025 at the “Porgy & Bess” in Vienna
Special Prize for the best composition by a composer born after January 1, 1995 : performance by the MAX BRAND Ensemble as well as recording (audio and video) as part of the “DAYS of NEW MUSIC” on October 23, 2025 at the “Porgy & Bess” in Vienna