Composer Discovery Project
Creating Opportunities for Emerging Composers.
The Composer Discovery Project celebrates original orchestral composition by giving Kern County composers the opportunity to have selected works performed live by the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra. Through this annual competition, the BSO encourages creativity, recognizes emerging compositional talent, and showcases new voices within our community.
Ready to share your work?
Review the full guidelines below and submit your materials through the online application.
Competition Timeline
APPLICATION
OPENS
TBD
SUBMISSION
DEADLINE
TBD
WINNERS
ANNOUNCED
TBD
FIRST
PERFORMANCE
TBD
SECOND
PERFORMANCE
TBD
Eligibility
Applicants must reside in Kern County.
Submitted works must be the composer's own unpublished, original composition.
Compositions must be 10–15 minutes in length.
Works must be for orchestra and may not exceed: 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 4 horns, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones, 1 tuba, timpani, 3 percussion, harp, and strings.
Winning composers are responsible for providing printed orchestra parts for rehearsals and performances.
Awards
Two winning composers will be selected.
Each winner receives a $1,000 award.
Each winning composition will be performed during either the March or May BSO subscription concert.
Winners will be featured in BSO press materials, on the website, and across social media.
Submission Requirements
Submit all scores and applications through the online form by the published deadline.
Your submission must include:
A PDF score with no identifying information to ensure a blind review process.
An audio recording or MIDI realization is optional but appreciated and will not affect the selection process.