In honor and memory of the historic work of American composer/conductor Gregg Smith and the Gregg Smith Singers, the Department of Choral Studies in the Rose, Jules R. and Stanford S. Setnor School of Music in Syracuse University's College of Visual and Performing Arts is pleased to announce the 2025 Gregg Smith Choral Composition Contest. This is a biennial event with the specific Setnor School of Music choral ensemble named for each contest. The contest seeks to provide an opportunity for young, North American composers to gain exposure and to have their work performed by one of Syracuse University’s choral ensembles.
The award:
Award-winning composer will receive a $1,500 prize. The selected composition will be premiered in Spring 2026 on the Syracuse University campus. The presence of the winning composer at the premiere is welcomed and encouraged but not required. Travel expenses to the premiere are the responsibility of the prize recipient.
Composer age limit:
Composer must be 21 to 35 years of age at the time of submission.
Due date:
Materials must be postmarked or received digitally no later than October 31, 2025.
Choir to present the premiere:
Syracuse University’s Crouse Chorale directed by Kyra Stahr. Crouse Chorale is an auditioned collegiate treble ensemble comprised mostly of undergraduate music majors whose primary instrument is voice. Syracuse University has a long tradition of treble choirs, and we are pleased to be reviving that tradition as our department continues to grow and flourish. The ensemble consists of 28 singers.
Criteria for submissions:
- Duration: 3-4 minutes
- Voicing: Accessible collegiate treble chorus (SSA, SSAA) a cappella or accompanied by piano or organ; additional instruments optional
- Text: May be secular or sacred. Rights to texts must be cleared, and evidence of copyright holder’s permission must be shown.
- Unpublished and unperformed works only
- The Syracuse University Department of Choral Studies will reserve the right to the world premiere of the winning piece and to release the first recording of the piece until October 31, 2026.
- Composer will retain the copyright of the piece.
- The Syracuse University Department of Choral Studies will retain copies of winning scores for future performances.
- The composer must reside in North America.
- The winner will need to submit tax forms in order to receive the prize. Taxes may be withheld from winnings.
How to submit by mail:
In a sealed envelope, please include your paper score, a brief biography (250 words max) with your name, email address, postal address, and phone number in the header, a works list, and proof of age and residence (copy of legal identification). Size of original scores must not exceed 8 ½x 11”. A link to a drive containing a pdf score and midi recording included in your envelope is appreciated but not required. No materials will be returned unless a self-addressed mailer and postage are provided.
Gregg Smith Choral Composition Contest
Setnor School of Music, Choral Studies
208 Crouse College
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY 13244-1010
How to submit digitally:
Submit the following items to jcalvar@syr.edu with Gregg Smith Contest Submission in the subject line:
- Score in pdf format. Page formats should not exceed 8.5 x 11.
- A midi file.
- A brief biography (250 words max) with your name, email address, postal address, and phone number in the header.
- A works list.
- Proof of age and residence (copy of legal identification)
The winner will be notified by January 15, 2026.