Twice a year members of the Composer Collaborative have the opportunity to submit scores for the New Chamber Music Concerts.  Themes for these concerts vary, but they are typically held spring and fall.  Those whose work is chosen for the concert will have the opportunity to have their composition performed for a live audience by professional musicians from the Allentown Symphony Orchestra. 

CALL FOR SCORES

October 2025: "Innovation"

Submission deadline:

August 15, 2025 at 11:59pm

Click below to submit your composition:

Submission Link

Required rehearsal attendance for composers:

-Monday, October 27, 2025 6-10pm (Rodale Room)

-Tuesday, October 28, 2025  2-5pm (on site)

Concert: Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at 7pm

Location: Lehigh Valley area venue TBD soon!

Theme: Innovation 

Instrumentation: Any combination of string quartet (2 violins, viola, and cello). Option of an additional player (if using an invented instrument). No piano for this concert.

What do we mean by "innovation"? : You could incorporate a unique technology and/or computer/electronic sounds, project original and unique visuals, invent your own instrument to be played, or even compose the music itself in a very innovative format. 

Timing: Your original composition must be 5 minutes or less from beginning to end. 

What we can provide in terms of technology: Basic PA sound system for electronic instruments, screen/projector. Any other technology elements would need to be provided by the composer and submissions should include detailed information regarding your specific use of technology or innovative component.

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Required: All submissions must include a full score, separate individual parts, an mp3 recording MIDI file, a short composer bio (limited to 200 words), and a high-resolution headshot to be uploaded at this link. Selected composers must be available to be present at the Monday evening rehearsal, the Tuesday afternoon rehearsal and the Tuesday evening concert.

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Selection process and notification date:

Clarice Assad and Diane Wittry will review all submissions for the October 2025 concert in August and early September as needed. Unlike our last concert where composers submitted samples and then worked with Clarice Assad to compose something new, the compositions that are selected for this concert will be the compositions that are played in the concert itself. Composers will be notified of their decision in the beginning of September. If selected as a finalist, Carolyn Powell will reach out to communicate all next steps! 

*Note that if you are selected for the October concert, we ask that you do not submit again in March and wait until the following season to submit again to give other composers an opportunity to share their work. If you applied but are not selected to participate in October, you are more than welcome to submit a composition for our March concert. See our website for more details on that theme.

Spring 2026 Concert: America 250!

Call for Scores Deadline: January 2026 TBD

• Instrumentation: Piano, Violin, Cello + Male soloist (probably baritone, spoken or sung) - any combination
• Length is 5 minutes or less

• Use historical text to incorporate into the piece itself with male soloist as lyrics OR project on the screen to showcase the inspiration behind the piece written (American History, America 250 celebration, or American current event)
• Rehearsal #1: March 10 or 12,  7-10pm (Rodale Room)
• Rehearsal #2: March 17 or 19,  7-10pm (Rodale Room)
• Rehearsal #3: March 23, 7-10pm (w/ composers, Rodale Room)
• Dress Rehearsal: March 24, 2-5pm  (TBD)
• Concert: March 24, 7-9pm (Location TBD)