ARcturus program for emerging composers

submissions now open for our 2026 season

Most new music is never heard after the premiere. We are working to change that.

Submitting your music to Sydney Sinfonietta is an unparalleled and exciting opportunity for a passionate young composer to have their unique voice heard.

Work within an innovative platform that beautifully marries time-honored tradition with fresh, daring ideas. We actively seek to champion emerging talent and provide a stage where your bold compositions can transcend the traditional confines of conventional concert halls, reaching diverse audiences in a variety of unexpected spaces across Australia. Here, your distinctive musical perspective will not only be celebrated but also thoughtfully challenged.

By sharing your remarkable work with us, you are joining a vibrant movement that encourages creativity, fosters collaboration, and reimagines what orchestral music can be in our evolving cultural landscape.

SUBMISSIOn guidelines

Overview

We seek innovative and adventurous compositions that challenge the boundaries of traditional orchestra music while embracing elements of contemporary styles. Compositions should be designed for live performance by chamber ensemble, ideally suited to a variety of unique venues across Australia.

Eligibility

  • Composers must be age 18 and above as of January 1, 2026 to be eligible for consideration.

  • Open to all composers regardless of experience level or background.

  • Submissions from underrepresented and diverse voices are particularly encouraged.

  • Submitted works may be up to 15 minutes in length; if a longer multi-movement work is submitted, select movements may be performed.

  • Works may have been performed before, but may not have been previously published.

  • Works must be composed for any combination of instruments represented by the Sinfonietta principal artists, must be playable by the forces of the Sinfonietta, and must follow instrumentation guidelines. A work that requires multiples of any instrument except piano will not be accepted. Submitted works that do not follow instrumentation guidelines will be automatically disqualified.

Any combinations of the following instruments are welcome; please note restrictions below. Submitted works that do not follow these guidelines will be automatically disqualified. Duo is the minimum ensemble size. Works must be playable via the combination of performers listed here. Works with electronics are eligible, but works for larger ensembles are preferred.

voice
flute
clarinet
saxophone
violin
cello
double bass
piano
percussion
electric guitar/bass

Instrumentation restriction guidelines:

  • FLUTE: C flute, piccolo, and alto flute are permissible; bass flute is not permissible.

  • SAXOPHONE: Works featuring tenor or bari sax may be submitted, but may or may not be eligible for performance, depending on availability.

  • PERCUSSION: only works including the instruments listed here, and/or small percussion, and/or body percussion are eligible. Works that call for instruments not listed on the linked document will not be accepted. Works that require more than one percussionist to perform will not be accepted.

  • ELECTRONICS: Works with fixed media and/or live electronics are eligible. Must be achievable within a 45-minute sound check WITHOUT the composer present. Video is also possible. Electronics must be realizable in 2 channel stereo mixes. Should the piece be selected for performance, any special equipment and microphones other than small and large diaphragm condensers must be provided by the composer.

Submission Process

1. Proposal Document
Submit a one-page proposal that includes:

  • Title of the composition.

  • Concept description (max 300 words): Explain the inspiration behind your piece and how it fits into the vision of Sydney Sinfonietta.

  • Target audience and intended venue(s).

2. Score Submission

  • Provide a full score of the composition (PDF format).

3. Audio/Video Samples

  • Include an audio or video recording of the work in .mp3 or .wav format. MIDI recordings are acceptable.

4. Composer Biography

  • Attach a brief biography (max 200 words) detailing your musical background, influence, and significant past works.

Submission Format

  • All documents should be submitted via email to admin@sydneysinfonietta.com, ensuring clarity and legibility.

  • Double check audio or video files are in commonly used formats (e.g. MP3, MP4).

  • Please name all files as follows: “LastName_FirstName_Title.”

ROLLING Deadline & Review Process

  • Once submissions are recieved they will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

  • Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of members from Sydney Sinfonietta and selected external experts.

  • We aim to notify applicants of the outcome within 14 days after their submission.

Commission Terms

  • Composers selected will receive a commission fee to be discussed upon acceptance.

  • Composers are expected to attend rehearsals and contribute their idea leading up to the premiere performance.

Contact Information

For any inquiries, please contact our submissions team at admin@sydneysinfonietta.com.