Portland Community Orchestra Young Composers Opportunity

The Portland Community Orchestra Young Composers Opportunity (PCOYCO) is designed to evaluate and reward emerging young composers of orchestral works written for amateur level orchestras. This program aims to foster musical creativity by providing aspiring young composers a platform for sharing their original works. We welcome the greatest variety of composers of orchestral works, including those that may feature electronic elements (either prerecorded or performed live) and “new" or culturally unique instruments.

ELIGIBILITY

Entrants must be under the age of 30 as of December 31, 2026. There is no entrance fee.

REQUIREMENTS

Submitted work must be an original composition written for chamber orchestra.
 - PCO's current forces include: 2-5fl, 2ob, 2cl, 1-2bsn, horn, euphonium, strings [vln 1, vln 2, va, vc, db]
Level of difficulty: Grade I, II, III, or IV
 - Applicants are encouraged to take into consideration that the PCO is a volunteer amateur community orchestra with players of varying abilities.
Works may or may not include "concerto" settings (soloist(s)/vocalist(s) with orchestra), if the composer can arrange for the appearance of said soloist(s).
Works may be submitted in standard or alternate notation systems, with consideration taken for amateur musician's abilities.
There is no restriction as to when a submitted composition was created, but it should not have been previously performed publicly.
Works should be no more than 15 minutes in duration.

PCOYCO Cover Sheet

 - Age verification
 - Full score and parts in PDF format (Do not list your name on the score). Score must list Title and Duration
 - Digital [mp3] audio recording of the composition. MIDI renderings are acceptable. Recordings must be complete (no excerpts) and must be labeled with the title of the work only.
 - Three (3) printed copies of the full score without the composer’s name
 - Short description of composition outlining inspirations & important features + composer bio (in MS Word format)
 - Signed Cover Sheet
Received completed applications will be confirmed by email. No scores will be returned without a self-addressed envelope (min. size 11x14”) and PRIORITY postage - no stamps.

Submissions must be received by June 30, 2026

A panel of judges will select the winning composition by July 31, 2026, and performance scheduling will be made shortly thereafter. Scores will be judged based upon artistic quality, significant structural, analytical, and technical quality, and skill in orchestration and scoring. Judges will announce a list of three finalists from which the winning score will be selected. Each one of these composers deserves recognition, but unfortunately only one score can be selected to be performed by the PCO. The winner will receive a three hundred dollars ($300) prize and have their work performed by the Portland Community Orchestra during the 2026-27 season.

Submit completed PCOYCO applications to:
Portland Community Orchestra Young Composers Opportunity, 389 Cousins Street, Yarmouth, ME  04096

Questions regarding PCOYCO may be sent to: pco.me207@gmail.com.  Please put “PCOYCO” in the subject line.

PCOYCO is administered by the Portland Community Orchestra, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization based in Yarmouth, Maine.