1. Purpose

The purpose of this competition is to promote the creation of high-quality original repertoire for wind symphony, encouraging artistic creativity, craftsmanship, and practical playability for contemporary wind ensembles.

2. Eligibility

• The competition is open to composers of all nationalities.
• Applicants must be 35 years old or younger at the time of the submission deadline.
• Eligible applicants must be born on or after 1 January 1991
• Each composer may submit one (1) work only.

3. Requirements of the Composition

• The submitted work must be an original composition written specifically for wind symphony.
• Arrangements, transcriptions, or orchestrations of pre-existing works are not permitted, unless the composer is the original creator of the source material.
• The composition must not have received a major prize in any previous competition.
• The work must have been completed on or after 1 January 2021.

4. Duration and Difficulty Level

• Duration: not exceeding [5–10] minutes.
• Difficulty level: approximately Grade [3.5–4.5], suitable for an advanced wind symphony.

5. Instrumentation

The composition should be written for standard wind symphony instrumentation, including woodwinds, brass, and percussion.

Standard instrumentation may include (but is not limited to):
Piccolo (optional)
Flute 1–2
Oboe 1–2
Bassoon 1–2
Clarinet in B♭ 1–3
Bass Clarinet
Alto Saxophone 1–2
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone
Trumpet in B♭ 1–3
Horn in F 1–4
Trombone 1–3
Euphonium
Tuba
String Bass (optional)
Timpani
Percussion (3–5 players, standard mallet instruments)

• Electronics, choir, or non-standard instruments are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise.

6. Submission Materials

Applicants must submit the following materials:
• Full score in PDF format, email to iwaf@internationalwindacademy.com
• A completed application form and $35(non-refundable) entry fee. (submitted separately from the score). Click Here.

Audio mockups or MIDI realizations are optional and will not affect the jury’s decision.

7. Anonymous Submission

• The submitted score must not contain the composer’s name, initials, signature, dedication, acknowledgements, or any identifying information.
• The title of the work may appear on the score.
• Any violation of anonymity will result in disqualification.

8. Evaluation Criteria

The jury will evaluate submissions based on:
• Artistic quality and originality
• Structural clarity and musical development
• Effective use of wind symphony instrumentation
• Balance, texture, and orchestration
• Practical playability and rehearsal feasibility
• Suitability for the specified difficulty level

9. Jury

• The jury consists of internationally recognized composers and conductors.
• The jury’s decision is final and not subject to appeal.

10. Awards

• Three selected composers will be invited to Bangkok during IWAF 2026, receive an intensive workshop with our composition faculty, collaborate with IWAF 2026 ensemble and conductors, and have their work performed by the IWAF 2026 Ensemble at the IWAF 2026 Opening Concert as the competition final round.
• The winning work will be performed by  IWAF 2026 Ensemble as part of the IWAF 2026 International Tour Concert program. Plus $1000.00 USD Cash award.
• The organizers reserve the right not to award a prize if no submission meets the required artistic standard.

11. Copyright and Performance Rights

• The copyright of the work remains with the composer.
• By submitting the work, composers grant the organizer the right to perform, record, and publicly present the work for competition-related and promotional purposes, without additional remuneration.
• Any future performances beyond the competition context shall be subject to a separate agreement.

12. Timeline

• Call for Scores Opens: [ December 20, 2025 ]
• Submission Deadline: [ April 10, 2025 ]
• Finalists Announcement: [ April 30, 2025 ]
• Performance and Award Ceremony: [ July 16th – August 1st, 2026 ]

13. General Conditions

• Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.
• The organizer reserves the right to make final interpretations of the competition rules.