International Competition Composition
Solo Alto Saxophone and Symphonic Band
3a edition 2026
- Art. 1
The competition is open to composers of any nationality, with no age limits. Each applicant may participate with one composition only.
Submitted works must be unpublished; otherwise, the composition will be excluded from the competition.
The winner of the previous edition (2nd edition) is not eligible to participate in the 3rd edition of the Competition.
- Art. 2
Compositions may belong to any musical trend, genre, or form, provided they comply with the technical requirements set out in this call.
The compositions must be inspired by the folk chant indicated in Appendix 1.
The folk chant may be used freely by the applicants, whether as a quotation, as a theme and variations, or in any other creative form. The material of the religious chant “Maria di Monte Stella” must be recognisable within the composition, either through a clear presentation or through a creatively developed form, while preserving its identity.
Audio of the Folk Song “Maria di Montestella”:
- Art. 3
Scores must be written for a maximum of the following instrumentation:
1st and 2nd Flute (Piccolo); Oboe; Bassoon; 1st, 2nd and 3rd B♭ Clarinet; E♭ Alto Clarinet (optional); B♭ Bass Clarinet; 1st and 2nd E♭ Alto Saxophone; B♭ Tenor Saxophone; E♭ Baritone Saxophone; 1st, 2nd and 3rd B♭ Trumpet; 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th F Horn; 1st, 2nd and 3rd Trombone; Euphonium; Tuba; Harp (optional); Timpani (26”, 29”); 4 Percussionists (glockenspiel, xylophone, snare drum, bass drum, hand cymbals, suspended cymbal, wind chimes, triangle, 2 wood blocks, 5 temple blocks, 2 bongos, ratchet, whip, shaker, maracas, castanets, 4 bells (C, E♭, F, A♭), tambourine, vibraslap).
The minimum duration of the piece is 5 minutes; the maximum duration is approximately 10 minutes. The work may be divided into several movements. Degree of difficulty: maximum level 5.
- Art. 4
Scores must be submitted by no later than May 31, 2026, exclusively by email to:
competitionarmoniedellostilaro@gmail.com
in PDF format, together with an MP3 or MIDI audio file (not mandatory).
Works must be notated using music notation software (© Finale, ©Sibelius, ©Dorico, © MuseScore) and must be strictly anonymous and free of any identifying marks, including the title. At the discretion of the participants, a Word file may be submitted explaining the musical materials used. Each copy must be clearly and visibly marked with a motto in order to guarantee anonymity during the jury’s evaluation process.
Attached is the registration form- REGISTRATION FORM
- Art. 5
The registration fee for the Competition is €50.00, to be paid by bank transfer.
Bank account NO: 001052989728
Payee Name: Associazione “Armonie dello Stilaro” Via Tenente Libero Fiorenza N. 2 -89040- Pazzano (RC)
codice BIC/SWIFT: BPPIITRRXXX
IBAN: IT43Z0760116300001052989782
Payment reference: entry fee for the International Wind Band Composition
Competition
- Art. 6
Prize
- Public performance of the winning composition at the event “Riflessi
nel Passato” – 5th Edition (16–22 August 2026)
Solo Alto Saxophone: Vincent David - Cash prize of €800
- Recognition plaque
- Audio/video recording of the concert
- Meals, accommodation, and local excursions covered by the
organization from 20 to 22 August 2026
The jury reserves the right to award one or more special mentions, with the possibility of performing the work in the next season.
The winning composer will be required to submit the individual parts within 5 days of being notified of the award, under penalty of forfeiture of the prize and disqualification.
- Art. 7
The Jury is composed of:
- M° GIROLAMO DERACO – President of the Jury
(Composer, Teacher, Director) - M° COSIMO DANIELE BOMBARDIERI
(Composer and Orchestra Conductor) - M° MARIO GAGLIANI
(Composer, Teacher and Orchestra Conductor) - M° VINCENT DAVID
(Soloist performing, Composer and Teacher) - M° ANDREA GRAZIANI
(Orchestra Conductor and Teacher)
The Jury reserves the right not to award the prize if none of the submitted compositions are deemed worthy. The Jury also reserves the right not to award any prize if the submitted works do not meet the required artistic and technical standards.
The decision of the judges is final and binding. No explanation or feedback
regarding the submitted works will be provided.
- Art. 8
The winner will be announced on June 15, 2026 and will be published on the website
The organization will inform the participants of the result.
- Art. 9
An audio/video recording of the winner’s concert will be made. By registering for the competition, the winning composer agrees to authorize this recording. It is understood that the recording may be publicly broadcast via radio, television, or the internet, both nationally and internationally, and may potentially be released as part of a commercial recording.
Participants in the competition authorize the Pazzano Wind Orchestra to perform the submitted works in one of its future concerts. The score and all individual parts of the work must be provided free of charge. Composers agree to grant the organization all performance and recording rights without any form of payment.
The organization may conduct audio or video interviews with the composers and reserves the right to publish information related to their participation in the competition.
- Art. 10
Any changes to these regulations may be necessary due to “force majeure” and will be communicated promptly via e-mail, on the competition website, and on social media pages.
In case of disputes, the Italian-language version of the Regulations, published on the competition website, shall prevail. The competent court is Locri.
- Art. 11
Registration for the competition implies full acceptance of all the rules of these Regulations, as well as consent to the use of personal data in accordance with the law. Participation in the competition implies that each contestant accepts the Regulations. All decisions of the organization are final. Appeals are not accepted.
Associazione Culturale “Armonie dello Stilaro” APS
Via Tenente Libero Fiorenza n. 2 89040 Pazzano (RC)
C.F. 90023620801
Download the complete announcement
[1] All prizes are intended as a contribution to the composer, gross of taxes and fees, and will be sent later by bank transfer.
Associazione Culturale "Armonie dello Stilaro" APS 