Call for proposals
The Irish Chamber Orchestra (ICO), in association with the Contemporary Music Centre (CMC), is seeking proposals to commission a new work for string orchestra to feature in the ICO’s 2027/2028 season.
About this commission
On the occasion of Contemporary Music Centre’s 40th Anniversary and as part of the Irish Chamber Orchestra’s annual commission opportunity, we are now accepting proposals to commission a new work for string orchestra (5.5.4.3.1) with a duration of between 8 and 10 minutes.
This new work will draw inspiration from the theme of unity, imagining the future of our shared Island and celebrating CMC’s 40 years of supporting new music across the island of Ireland.
Once completed, this new work will be premiered as part of ICO’s 2027/2028 programme, with the potential for repeat performances in their future seasons and tours. The commission fee for this work is €10,000.
Timeline
Call for proposals opens: 19 October 2026
Composer selected: Mid-December 2026
Deadline for submission of score and parts: August 2027
Eligibility
This commission is open to all composers born or based* on the island of Ireland
*Based in Ireland for at least three years consecutively.
All applicants will receive equal opportunity irrespective of civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race, ethnicity or indigenous status. We particularly encourage and welcome artists from underrepresented groups to apply.
Submission
To submit, fill out the online form here by Monday 16 November 2026 at 12 noon:
- A proposal outlining details of the piece you intend to write exploring the above theme (1200 words max).
- Two recently completed full scores containing original music in PDF format (not excerpts) which demonstrate your ability to write for strings.
- A link to a recording of a performance or electronic realisation of each score.
- A CV including a list of compositions and relevant experience.
Criteria
Applications are evaluated using the following criteria:
- Artistic merit and originality of the proposed work (40%)
- Suitability of this work for the commission (40%)
- Suitability and track record of applicant (20%)
- Selection panel
The panel will consist of a member of the New Music community in Ireland, a member of the Irish Chamber Orchestra and a representative from their management. CMC will act as administrator of the call.
For any queries, please contact Keith Fennell, Artist Development and Production Coordinator, at kfennell@cmc.ie
