Henri Lazarof International Commission Prize, 2026
Seventh Annual Henri Lazarof International Commission Prize, 2026
Henri Lazarof once said, “The world is big enough for all kinds of composers… I try to always write for new instrumental forces — to search out the limits of the performer and one’s own limits as a composer.” The Henri Lazarof International Commission Prize will provide support to composers attempting to do the same today.
The Henri Lazarof Living Legacy at Brandeis University announces the Seventh Annual Henri Lazarof International Commission Prize for the composition of an original work for select instruments. The specific instrumentation will change annually to complement an existing work by Henri Lazarof, and the commissioned piece will be performed alongside Lazarof's work. Instrumentation for the 2026 prize commission will be a string quintet (2 violins, 2 violas, cello). Electronic music components and/or multimedia may also be included. The winner will be awarded a $15,000 commission prize, and the winning composition will be performed at Brandeis University in the spring of 2027. Application deadline is 11:59 EDT, March 1, 2026. There is an application fee of $25.
Each candidate may submit only one application. There are no restrictions regarding age, gender, nationality or race. Members of the Commission Prize jury, Brandeis faculty and students currently enrolled at Brandeis University are ineligible. Complete information about submitting an application and accompanying materials can be found on this page.
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There are no restrictions regarding age, gender, nationality or race. Members of the Commission Prize jury, Brandeis faculty and students currently enrolled at Brandeis University are ineligible. Each candidate may submit only one application.
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All candidates must submit the following materials online no later than 11:59 p.m. EST on March 1, 2026:
- Two scores and recordings of two works (details below) that have been completed within the past seven years. While MIDI renderings will be considered, live or studio recordings are preferred. To honor anonymity, the candidate must not include any identifying information on the scores and recordings, including file names.
- Online application form, résumé of compositional activities and nonrefundable application fee of $25 (U.S. dollars). Application fees must be submitted by credit card online.
The Commission Prize uses SlideRoom to accept all materials and application fees. All applicants will need to create an online account to start an application. To start your application, Access the 2026 application
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The Commission Prize jury will comprise distinguished composers. A list of jurors will not be made public and participation in the jury will be confidential. The jury’s decision is final.
The Commission Prize submissions are anonymous. The jury will be permitted to review only the scores and sound files in SlideRoom. Any markings, notations, or indications on the scores and any sound elements on the recordings that in any way identify the composer will disqualify the candidate.
The Commission Prize and Brandeis University will not be responsible for the cost of a) preparation of the score or extraction of parts, b) preparation of recordings, c) composer travel and accommodations, or d) any other expenses associated with the premiere performance of the new work.
By applying for the commission prize, each candidate accepts all of the regulations. Access the 2026 application
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- February 2, 2026: Applicants can access the SlideRoom online portal.
- March 1, 2026: Deadline for all submissions.
- April 2026: The winner of the 2025 Henri Lazarof International Commission Prize will be announced.
- Spring 2026: The first payment of $7,500 will be sent to the winning composer. Payment will be made only after the composer has read and signed all copies of the contract between Brandeis University and the winning composer.
- February 1, 2027: Deadline for completion and delivery of the new work to Brandeis University. A copy of the work (score and performance parts) must be sent to Brandeis University by the February 1 deadline, at which time the composer will receive the second payment of $7,500 for the new work.
- Late Spring 2027: The winning composer’s new work will be premiered at the annual Henri Lazarof Chamber Concert in the Slosberg Recital Hall at Brandeis University. The winner is required to attend the concert premiere of the new work. Travel and accommodation expenses will be the responsibility of the winning composer.
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Scores (PDF FILES ONLY):
- Compositions may be for any ensemble; at least one must clearly demonstrate writing for chamber groups.
- Include date of composition on each score; both works must have been completed within the last seven years.
- Entries printed using music notation software are encouraged. Handwritten scores must be scanned to PDF. Illegible scores will be disqualified.
- The competition is anonymous. Any and all references on the score to the composer’s name, city, place of employment, or any other identifying notation must be removed completely from the contents of the PDF as well as the PDF file name. Any marks breaking the anonymity of the submission will disqualify the entry.
Recordings (MP3, AIFF, OR WAV FILES ONLY):
- These should be MP3 files containing recordings of the two scores submitted.
- Other audio file formats, video files, or online links to personal web sites or commercial web sites such as YouTube, Vimeo, Soundcloud, etc. will not be accepted.
- Any and all references to the composer’s name, city, place of employment must be removed from the contents of the recording as well as the MP3 file names. Any voices in the sound file breaking the anonymity of the submission will disqualify the entry.