2023 “Carlos Guastavino” International Composition Competition

GUIDELINES

SONUS International Music Festival, Inc. (SONUS-IMF) invites entries to the 2023 “Carlos Guastavino” International Composition Competition.

The purpose of the competition is to encourage the creation of musical works inspired by folk or national traditions from around the world, while upholding the high standards of musical composition sustained by Argentine composer Carlos Guastavino (1912-2000). 

Finalists’ works will be featured during the SONUS-IMF Season 2023/2024.

Application Deadline: June 25, 2023

Applicants must submit fees and all materials required with the online application form found here.

Application Fee

Non-refundable fee of $25.00 USD per submission. A limited number of scholarships is available. For information contact the coordinator at (info@sonusinternationalmusicfestival.org)

Entries

  • Compositions must be connected to or inspired by folk themes or traditions from any culture.

  • Composers may submit only one composition per category. If submitting in two categories, a second application fee will be required. 

  • Works cannot have been recorded or performed publicly before October 30, 2023. 

    • The above rule does not apply to performances in educational settings.

  • Only compositions for unaltered/unprepared piano and classical acoustic instruments are accepted.

  • Prior first-place winners in any category 

    • May not compete again in the same category.  

    • May submit entries in a different category.

Categories

Compositions in the following categories will be accepted:

  • Piano Solo

  • Duo Ensemble with Piano (Chamber Music:)

  1. Compositions for voice and piano.  Art Song.

    1. The voice part may be sung or spoken.

    2. The work must include the author’s name, the text, and a translation to the English language. 

  2. Duo-ensemble compositions for a classical acoustic instrument and piano

Duration of Works

Compositions must have a total duration between 4 and 10 minutes.

Awards

Monetary Awards

  • First prize: $1,000.00 USD

  • Second prize: $500.00

  • Third prize: $300.00

Award winning works will be performed by SONUS-IMF Festival Guest Artists. Additional prizes may be awarded at the judges’ discretion, upon additional funding.