The ClefWorks annual Composition Competition encourages the creation of original works for chamber music ensembles. This competition benefits patrons, musicians, and composers alike by affording musicians a chance to rehearse a work with its composer and offering ClefWorks audiences the rare opportunity to meet the talented people responsible for all phases of a piece's creation and performance. Composers from 26 states, and countries across the globe including New Zealand, Israel, Hong Kong, England, France, Italy, Portugal, Uruguay, and Ireland have participated in past competitions, and works are currently being accepted for the 2009 Composition Competition.

The works will be judged by the world renown JACK Quartet who will perform the winning piece at the upcoming ClefWorks Festival in January 2010. The 2009 Composition Competition is open to works for a string quartet, and the deadline for submission is October 10, 2009. The winner to be announced by November 5, 2009 will receive $1,000 as well as reasonable travel expenses from any location within the continental United States to ClefWorks' January 2010 Festival and lodging at the Festival to participate in rehearsals with the JACK Quartet and attend the performance while also enjoying the Southern Hospitality for which Montgomery, Alabama is well known.

For rules and details, click here.

To listen to the 2008 winning composition, "Quartet for Violin, Viola, Cello, and Piano" by Scott Robbins, click here.