06 Mar Announcing the 2026 Gardner Competition for Composers
The American Viola Society proudly announces the 2026 Maurice Gardner Competition for Composers, seeking new works for the viola. Established in 2010, this biennial competition celebrates the legacy of American composer and violist Maurice Gardner (1909-2002), who composed extensively for the viola as a solo instrument. The winning composition will be performed at the 2026 American Viola Festival, to be held at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA, USA on June 3-6, 2026.
Key details:
Anyone may submit a composition to the Gardner Competition. You may submit more than one composition for review.
Entries must be less than 15 minutes in length, and may not have received an official world premiere. Entries may be for solo viola, viola and one other instrument, or viola and interactive media. Compositional elements beyond the classical music canon are encouraged, including jazz idioms and other improvisatory elements, electronic media and non-orchestral instruments.
The entry period is October 1-December 1, in two phases. Entries submitted from October 1 to October 31 (by 11:59 PM ET) are free of charge. For entries submitted November 1 through December 1, a $25 entry fee will be required (payable via credit card or PayPal).
Submission Deadline: December 1, 2025
All compositions will be anonymized and reviewed by a panel of judges which will be announced in October and will include internationally known violists and composers.
Prizes to be awarded:
First Prize – $1000, plus:
A performance at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA, USA on June 3-6, 2026
Reimbursement of travel expenses to the festival (up to $500)
Second Prize – $500
For complete rules and application process, please visit the 2026 Gardner Competition Guidelines.
Direct questions and inquiries to: Marcus R. Pyle, Competition Chair