ANNOUNCING the 18th ANNUAL JOHN EATON MEMORIAL COMPETITION

The New York Composers Circle proudly announces its 18th John Eaton Memorial Competition, named in honor of our beloved long-time Honorary Member, John Eaton (1935-2015), dedicated to solo or chamber ensemble works (1-4 performers). The competition is open to composers residing in the New York City metropolitan area and adjacent regions of New Jersey and Connecticut, with no age restrictions. Current NYCC members and past NYCC competition winners are not eligible to apply. The winning composition will be performed at one of NYCC's concerts during the 2025-2026 season. Additionally, the winner will receive a one-year membership to the New York Composers Circle.

Submission Guidelines:

  1. Pieces should be scored for a maximum of 1-4 musicians for live performance (excluding harp, percussion, or exotic instruments).
  2. Pieces may include electroacoustic/electronic elements in addition to the four instruments.
  3. The duration of pieces should be between 5 and 15 minutes.
  4. Pieces must not have previously been recognized as a winner or finalist in any other competition within the New York City metropolitan area (including Westchester County, Long Island, and Staten Island), New Jersey, or Connecticut.
  5. Submitters must reside (students included) in the New York City metropolitan area (including Westchester County, Long Island, and Staten Island), New Jersey, or Connecticut.
  6. Only ONE piece (one entry) per applicant will be accepted.
  7. Composers of the winning work are encouraged to attend the performance of their piece.
  8. Failure to comply with ALL guidelines will lead to disqualification from this contest.

To Apply:

  1. Please submit a completed application form HERE.
  2. Include a PDF copy of one score for a solo or chamber ensemble work (1-4 performers).
  3. Include an MP3 or a public link (YouTube, SoundCloud, or Vimeo) to a recording of a recent performance or a computer realization.
  4. Include a brief biography and program note.
  5. A $25 entry fee is required. To pay the fee, please click HERE.

Deadline:

  1. The deadline for receipt of materials is midnight on Friday, May 16, 2025.
  2. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
  3. All decisions made by the NYCC Selection Committee are final and may not be challenged.

The winning work(s) will be announced on our website and social media outlets (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram—links at the bottom of the page) by July 30, 2025.

If you have questions about the competition or application process, please email David Mecionis, Executive Director and Artistic Director, HERE.


PAST WINNING COMPOSERS and PIECES

2024: Sofia Jen Ouyang, Insects for string quartet

  • Runner-up: Jakub Polaczyk, Ginko-ya: Pendulum (in memoriam Krzysztof Penderecki)

2023: Will Stackpole, Palette for string quartet

  • Honorable Mention: Sami Seif, Orientalism for string quartet
  • Honorable Mention: Kurt Nelson, Struttura Assente for string trio

2022: Patrick Andrew Thompson, Moments Sweep Past for soprano, cello, and piano

2021: No prize awarded

2020: Jeffrey Niederhoffer, Picking Up Where I Left Off for violin and piano

2019: Cheng Jin Koh, Ecstasy for clarinet, violin, cello, and piano

2018: Gilad Cohen, Three Goat Blues for string quartet

2017: Andrey Komanetsky, for String Quartet in Five Movements

2016: No prize awarded

2015: Ross Griffey, Tied by a Chance Bond Together, for violin and piano

2014: Vladimir Del Orbe, Contextual Enigma for clarinet, double bass, and piano

  • Honorable Mention: José Beviá, Trio No. 3 for Violin, Cello, and Piano
  • Honorable Mention: Jonathan Bingham, Quartet for Clarinet, Violin, Cello, and Piano

2013: Eric Segerstrom, Two Poems, for piano trio

  • Honorable Mention: David Brooks, 'Metamorphosis’ Variations, for prepared piano

2012: Jesse Diener-Bennett, Ninth for Two, for flute and violin

2011: Max Giteck Duykers, Glass Blue Cleft, for string quartet

2010: Scott D. Miller, Polychrome Stride, for flute, clarinet, violin, cello, and piano

2009: Elizabeth Lim, Wafting, for string quartet

2008: Co-winners Robert S. Cohen, The Mysterious Transformation of Johann B., for clarinet and 6 percussionists; Brian Fennelly "Sigol” for Two for two cellos

2007: Dana Dimitri Richardson, Ballade, for piano

  • Honorable Mention: Steve Cohen, Serenade for String Quartet
  • Honorable Mention: Marc-Antonio Consoli, Tre per Due for flute, clarinet, and piano
  • Honorable Mention: Alex Temple, Her Name Was Renée for clarinet, percussion, double bass, and piano