Early Career Composers Commissioning Program

The Talea Ensemble is pleased to announce our Early Career Commissioning Program every couple of seasons. Talea commissions a selected composer to create a 10-15 minute work of 5+ players for the ensemble, to be premiered in an upcoming Written for Talea program, typically in March of the following season in New York City. Priority will be given to a composer who has not had significant experience working with a professional music ensemble.

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Composers/creators of written music of all ages (18+) may apply, and there are no geographical restrictions. We welcome participants of all musical styles, genres, and educational backgrounds. This program is recommended for composers who identify as in their early stages of their career who have not had extensive experience working with professional ensembles. Composers who have not had their work premiered by a professional ensemble are especially encouraged to apply.

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Talea staff review the applications in the preliminary round and then invite distinguished guest composers to join us as panelists for the final adjudication round.

 

LAUNCH APPLICATION (during active application cycles, a link will be provided to access the application. Currently, the next application is expected to open in Fall 2026)
 

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The selected composer will receive: 

– A commissioning fee of $2,000 for a new chamber ensemble work of 10-15 minutes

– Up to $800 travel reimbursement to work with Talea in New York City and attend the piece’s premiere

– Audio documentation of the premiere performance

– Promotional support

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Please note that any updates will be provided on this page as they become available.

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Sample Dates & Deadlines (for the 2024-25 application cycle):

July 9, 2024: Application due

August 2024: Notification of selected composers

March 2025: Premiere in New York City on our Written for Talea program in Cary Hall at the DiMenna Center for Classical Music

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Feel free to reach out to stephanie@taleaensemble.org with any questions.

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***UPCOMING WORLD PREMIERE by Early Career Composer Commission Recipient Artun Çekem will take place on March 20, 2026. See our Events Page for more info.***