Overview
The mission of Ars Nova Press is the championing of exceptional music literature that has not found publication acceptance elsewhere. Our focus is on timeless artistic quality over commercial trends.
Through our sacred music division, we are passionate to create a renaissance of new sacred music - works that are suitable for Mass and religious ceremonies.
We hope this competition encourages young composers to write well-crafted sacred music. All compositions that receive an award will be published and recorded by Ars Nova.
Through our sacred music division, we are passionate to create a renaissance of new sacred music - works that are suitable for Mass and religious ceremonies.
We hope this competition encourages young composers to write well-crafted sacred music. All compositions that receive an award will be published and recorded by Ars Nova.
Rules and general information
Competition opens on April 15, 2026 and closes on July 15, 2026 and is open worldwide
Entry Fee: $50 USD - please make payment via the link below
Age Requirement: Composer must be 35 years and under - as of April 15, 2026
Piece Requirements:
Works will be evaluated via a blind jury process
The results will be announced by September 30, 2026
Entry Fee: $50 USD - please make payment via the link below
Age Requirement: Composer must be 35 years and under - as of April 15, 2026
Piece Requirements:
- A choral work scored for SATB or any combination of three voices, a cappella
- Piece length between 3 and 5 minutes
- The work should be suitable for use in a Mass or religious service
- The text of the piece must be from Sacred Scripture
Works will be evaluated via a blind jury process
The results will be announced by September 30, 2026
Prizes
1st: $2000 USD - The work will receive the title of first prize and will be recorded and published by Ars Nova Press
2nd: $1000 USD - The work will receive the title of second prize and will be recorded and published by Ars Nova Press
3rd: $500 USD - The work will receive the title of third prize and will be recorded and published by Ars Nova Press
2nd: $1000 USD - The work will receive the title of second prize and will be recorded and published by Ars Nova Press
3rd: $500 USD - The work will receive the title of third prize and will be recorded and published by Ars Nova Press
SUBMISSION CRITERIA
** Please provide the required information listed below as well as score entries in PDF format by July 15, 2026 to: [email protected]
Full Name
Age
A short biography (<250 words)
Current Photo (small format - jpeg, pdf, etc.)
Contact email
Contact Phone
Mailing address
** Receipt of this email will authorize Ars Nova Press to utilize these materials for a juried competition. Once entries are received, Ars Nova Press is not required to return these materials. Competition winners will be contacted directly.
Once finalized, an announcement will be made via this website and to our subscribers. If you wish to be a subscriber, please sign up on our Subscribe page**
Use the button below to pay your entry fee. A receipt will be automatically generated once payment is received.
Full Name
Age
A short biography (<250 words)
Current Photo (small format - jpeg, pdf, etc.)
Contact email
Contact Phone
Mailing address
** Receipt of this email will authorize Ars Nova Press to utilize these materials for a juried competition. Once entries are received, Ars Nova Press is not required to return these materials. Competition winners will be contacted directly.
Once finalized, an announcement will be made via this website and to our subscribers. If you wish to be a subscriber, please sign up on our Subscribe page**
Use the button below to pay your entry fee. A receipt will be automatically generated once payment is received.