California Symphony Composer-In-Residence Program
2026-2029
Applications Are Now Being Accepted
California Symphony’s Composer-In-Residence Program is designed to give early career professional composers and/or graduate students in composition an opportunity to work with a professional orchestra and conductor for a three-year residency from August 1, 2026, through July 31, 2029.
The residency provides a unique opportunity to compose, rehearse, premiere, and record multiple orchestral compositions for three consecutive years. Each season, there will be a recorded 30-minute reading workshop with the complete orchestra, from which study recordings will be provided. The composer, conductor, and orchestra become partners in the creative process, working together as the composition develops.
Previous California Symphony composer alumni have won national & international awards, serve as faculty at universities across the country, and continue to compose and receive commissions. See our Alumni page here.
All rounds in the selection process are assessed in a blind review process, meaning your work will be considered anonymously and without prejudice.
We’re eager to hear your work and we invite you to apply for the unique opportunity to build a relationship with one of the premier regional orchestras in the United States.
The resident composer will receive the following:
- An honorarium/commission fee for each work
- Three world premieres to be performed during 2026-27, 2027-28, and 2028-29 seasons
- Three recorded 30-minute reading workshops with the orchestra
- Accommodation and airfare for two residency weeks each season
- Collaboration with Artistic & Music Director Donato Cabrera and California Symphony musicians
- Engagement with community members, California Symphony Board of Directors, donors, and staff
- Publicity and marketing for each premiere
The Composer will participate in the following activities:
- On-site visits to local schools
- Pre-concert lectures
- Special receptions and/or cultivation events
- Assist with the search for the next composer in residence
- Support concert promotion, including writing guest blogs, providing social media content, and interviews with the press
Qualifications
Early career professional composer and/or graduate student in composition
A citizen or a permanent resident of the United States
About the selection process
The Composer-in-Residence appointment with the California Symphony is a competitive and sought-after position. The application process will involve three rounds of blind reviews by our Artistic & Music Director, the current California Symphony Composer-in-Residence, and a panel of professionals in the field.
Materials must be submitted as redacted copies to ensure that any reference to your name does not appear. An applicant number will be assigned to you to provide anonymity to the panel. Complete and submit materials through the application form here.
Materials to be submitted:
- Three scores, with names redacted, representative of a cross section of your work (orchestral, chamber and vocal scores are acceptable)
- Audio recordings of the three submitted scores. Live or studio recordings are preferred, but midi recordings will also be accepted. Recordings must be submitted as MP3 files – links to Youtube/Soundcloud recordings will not be accepted.
- Three professional references with contact information, upon request
- Proof of US citizenship and/or residency
- $75.00 non-refundable application fee
The application deadline is October 31, 2025, by 11:59PM.
All application materials must be complete and submitted by this date to be considered.
Final Round candidates will be selected by January 9, 2026. Public announcement of the selected composer will be made on or before February 1, 2026.
Please note that by submitting a completed application for the Composer-in-Residence program, you are agreeing that you are able to accept the terms listed above and able to sign a contract for the 2026-2029 term.
It is the policy of the California Symphony to provide all persons with equal opportunities without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, veteran status, marital status or any characteristic protected by federal, state, and local law. Candidates of ALAANA (African, Latinx, Asian, Arab, and Native American) communities are encouraged to apply.