composition
About
The Cortona Sessions Composition Program is designed to provide composers with high-quality premiere performances in conjunction with a valuable and educational professional experience. Students accepted as participants into the composition program will enjoy the following:
world premiere of 1 new work written expressly for the Cortona Sessions
opportunity to compose an additional work(s) or have another work performed
recordings (audio and video) of performed works
group lessons with Cortona Sessions composition faculty
one-on-one coachings with performers
opportunity to present their music in symposiums throughout the festival
interact with guest composers
excursions with other faculty and fellows
valuable friendships and professional development
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Anthony R. Green, program director
Tina Tallon
Tonia Ko, special guest -
deadline: February 15, 2026
eligibility: all composers age 18 and over
application fee: pay-what-you-can (suggested $35)
more info: tuition, lodging, travel, etcLate applications will be considered for acceptance into the Sessions, but financial aid, fellowships, and scholarships are not available to late applicants.
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS
The application will ask you to please submit:
links to recordings of 2 works performed in the last 3 years
contact info for 2 recommenders who can comment on the applicant in both professional and social settings (no recommendation letters needed)
optional: link to score or notational materials if relevant to your creative practice
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The Cortona Sessions will accept a small number of composers, age 18 and over as of the start of the festival.
Accepted participants will be asked to compose one new work for ensemble consisting of participating performers and faculty to be premiered at the Cortona Sessions. Works must be submitted by the pre-sessions deadline (June 15, 2026) to be guaranteed performance at the Sessions. Works received after this date will not be guaranteed performances. Composers may also have the opportunity to submit pre-existing compositions for possible performance during the Sessions.
INSTRUMENTATION POSSIBILITIES FOR COMPOSITIONS
TBA after attendance is confirmed -
Applications are due December 29, 2026.
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We are prepared to offer up to a full-tuition scholarship for one or more applicants who can provide audio/visual documentation services and/or other technological support. Specific responsibilities in this role will be dependent on your previous experience and talents, and could include any combination of the following: photographic documentation of the Sessions, video documentation of concerts, audio engineering for concerts, technical support for rehearsals and classes, production management, and more. There is a section on the application to fill out if you would like to be considered; there, please submit a brief description of your previous experience in audio-visual documentation and/or music technology, and please include links to work samples.
email all questions to: info@cortonasessions.org
