Composer Program

The Lexington Symphony is thrilled to announce our Call for Scores as part of The Phoenix Project in July of 2025 for composers in the greater Lexington/Boston/New England area.

We recognize one of the most important elements in the development of a composer is the opportunity to hear the works they have written.  These sessions are designed to give the selected composers a demo recording, played by a professional orchestra, to both hear their work and to help them attract performance opportunities in the future.  

Composers are encouraged to submit one score per person of an existing work written within the last 10 years with a non-refundable fee of $75. Our panel will select up to four works to be professionally recorded during sessions with the Lexington Symphony led by Jonathan McPhee during the four-day Phoenix Project July 21-24. 2025. 

Please read below to find information on Deadlines, Eligibility, Terms of Participation and the Application.

Application Information

Applications open April 7, 2025.

DEADLINE: Submissions close for composer works May 2, 2025.

Submissions will be reviewed by the panel, and selected composers will be notified by May 19, 2025.

IN PERSON REQUIREMENT: If selected to participate, composers must be physically present in Cary Hall in Lexington, MA on July 23 and 24, 2025.

July 23, 2025:  Consult with the conductor to ensure completed preparations for the next day.

July 24, 2025: Recording sessions. Also participate in a Q&A with Jonathan McPhee after the sessions.

Selected applicants must also be available for consultations with the conductor, Jonathan McPhee, prior to the beginning of the Phoenix Project.  

There is nonrefundable application fee of $75 to apply.  If selected to participate, there are no other fees.

Timeline

Monday, April 7, 2025 – Application Opens

Friday, May 2, 2025 – Applications Close

Monday, May 19, 2025 – Results will be sent via email

Tuesday, July 1, 2025 –  Deadline for receiving printed orchestra parts

Wednesday July 23, 2025 – Consult in Cary Memorial Hall, Lexington, with the conductor to ensure completed preparations for the next day

Thursday July 24, 2025 – Recording sessions will take place at Cary Memorial Hall, Lexington, Massachusetts  followed by Q & A sessions with the composers, conductor and participants in the Phoenix Project 

How to Apply

Submit as application (link to application form with upload link to be provided when application opens on April 7):

  1. Short answer responses (no more than 150 words) to the following questions:

    1. Please submit a short bio  – we are especially interested in learning about your story as a composer and musician, and how that feeds into your work.

    2. What interests you in this specific Call for Scores? What are you hoping to gain from this experience?

    3. Tell us a little about the piece you are submitting. What inspired it? What story does it tell? How does it tell your story as an artist?

    4. Tell us a little bit about your creative process. What gives you inspiration? What makes you feel fulfilled, creatively? We want to get to know your artistic process, and what makes you feel empowered as a composer.

  2. PDF of a score for a completed piece that meets the criteria outlined below. Applicants are also encouraged but not required to submit a synthesized recording of their piece (attach an audio file or include a link). 

Please do not submit more than one score for consideration. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Composition Eligibility

Composers must reside in the United States to participate. All ages are welcome to apply.

Composers may submit only one piece. Pieces must have been written within the last 10 years. Scores and Parts should be in an engraved music program such as Finale, Sibelius, or Dorico.

This is a call for standard symphonic compositions.

Instrumentation Guidelines

  • 2flutes(picc db), 2Oboes(EH db), 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons - 4horns, 2 trumpets, 3trombones, 1 tuba, piano / harp / timpani + 2 percussion  and strings  8-6-4-4-2

    • Works including electronics/amplification are not allowed.

    • Pieces requiring trained vocalists will not be considered as it is our goal to highlight and utilize the musicians within our orchestra.

Length Guidelines

  • Works must be no longer than 15 minutes. 

  • Works may be stand alone pieces, multi-movement, or individual movements. 

Terms of Participation

The Lexington Symphony panel will choose up to four works by unique composers. The selected composers will:

  • Submit hard copies of orchestra parts to Lexington Symphony to be received by Tuesday, July 1, 2025 or their composition will not be played.

  • Receive a professional audio recording of the performance of their composition after this project.

  • Give permission for a mechanical license (without an additional fee) so that the audio recording of the piece can be shared indefinitely by the Lexington Symphony on digital platforms, including but not limited to: YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.

  • Be present in person in Cary Hall, Lexington, MA, on July 23 & 24, 2025 to engage in the preparation, performance and recording of their work, as well as participate in Q&A.

  • Receive lunch at Cary Hall, Lexington on July 23 and July 24, 2025.

  • Be invited to attend with a guest the Phoenix Project Orchestra Concert and following closing reception. 

Lexington Symphony will not reimburse composers for any expenses, including housing, food, or travel expenses during the Phoenix Project.

Due to the volume of submissions received, we are unable to provide feedback on application materials.

Educate. Enrich. Entertain. Experience Lexington Symphony.