in collaboration with SONIC CONDUCTOR, Orchestral Tools and OSA
The World-Wide Composers’ Competition is your chance to shine on an international stage. We invite you to compete for €2000 in cash, exclusive prizes from Orchestral Tools and the ultimate reward - a place among Hollywood’s finest at the Gala or an exclusive Showcase performance. First three winners also get a lesson with one of Sonic Conductor instructors: Dave Jordan, DJ Cheapshot or Christopher Lennertz.
With Dave Jordan, Hollywood’s leading music supervisor behind hits like Guardians of the Galaxy and Sonic Conductor founder, providing the official brief, you’ll be working on a real-world professional challenge - an opportunity to elevate your skills and open new doors. Dream big, compose boldly, and make your mark! Only the best will take the stage! Will it be you?
In case of questions please mail us competition@soundsgate.com
Submit your work via our Google Form.
This series explores a world shaped by inner conflict, obsession, and psychological tension, unfolding through a contemporary thriller lens. The narrative pulls the viewer into an environment where control and unease coexist, and where momentum is driven as much by internal pressure as external events. The tone is cerebral and unsettling, inviting close attention and emotional investment.
We’re seeking an original composition that feels like a modern Bernard Herrmann’s classic thriller score, refracted through a contemporary Hitchcockian lens.
The piece should live firmly in the world of a contemporary psychological thriller, defined by a modern, cerebral sense of tension. The core of the music should be orchestral, but approached in an original, contemporary way that feels lean, angular. The piece should include percussion as a driving element that creates unease and propulsion. Electronic elements may be present, but only as an accent or extension of the orchestral palette.
The result should feel tense, intelligent, and modern that is rooted in orchestral writing, yet unmistakably contemporary and individual with a memorable melodic thru line.
Key elements to consider:
Contrast: The music should reflect an internal push and pull with a controlled urgency versus simmering unease. Shifts between denser, propulsive passages and more minimal, exposed moments should heighten psychological tension. These contrasts should feel deliberate and structural, allowing moments of restraint or near-stasis to amplify unease before motion resumes.Memorable melodic through-line: While the piece should be textural and modern, it must contain a clear, memorable melodic idea that anchors the composition. The motif should feel obsessive and recurring, subtly evolving rather than resolving, giving the audience something to latch onto across the duration of the piece.
Instrumentation: The core palette should be orchestral, treated in a lean, angular, and contemporary manner. Avenues to explore include:
- Percussion as a driving force, creating propulsion, anxiety, and forward motion
- Strings and low orchestral textures used rhythmically or texturally rather than lyrically
- Subtle electronic elements, used sparingly as extensions of the orchestral sound, never dominating it
The overall sound should feel modern, cerebral, and cinematic without leaning into traditional orchestral tropes.
Overall Tone
- Psychological
- Urgent but controlled
- Intellectually charged
- Cinematic without being traditionally “orchestral”
This should sound like a thriller score driven by inner conflict, obsession, and momentum, expressed through bold, original sonic choices.
Overall Tone
The finished main theme should be 2–3 minutes in length and capable of standing alone as a concert-style piece. Subtle tempo shifts, rhythmic layering, or pulse-based structures are encouraged to enhance tension and psychological momentum.We need the following variations / cutdowns:
- 1x 1-minute cutdown (for opening theme)
- 1x 20 second variation (for interviews)
- 1x 20 second variation (for montages)
- 1x 5 second cutdown (moment of negative surprise)
- 1x 5 second cutdown (moment of positive surprise)
Format: WAV 48kHz 24bit
Do I need accreditation for Composers Summit Prague to enter the competition?
No, you don’t need to have valid accreditation for Composers Summit Prague. However, if you have one, you can sign up for Community vote to increase your chances of winning.
No, you don’t need to have valid accreditation for Composers Summit Prague. However, if you have one, you can sign up for Community vote to increase your chances of winning.
Is there any fee for entering the competition?
No, there is no entry fee for this competition.
No, there is no entry fee for this competition.
What is the Community vote?
The Community vote is a branch of the second round of the competition, where the winner of Community vote will be chosen amongst entries submitted by accredited attendees. Details about Community vote will be shared with all accredited attendees before the second round of the competition because all of them will be included in the voting process.
The Community vote is a branch of the second round of the competition, where the winner of Community vote will be chosen amongst entries submitted by accredited attendees. Details about Community vote will be shared with all accredited attendees before the second round of the competition because all of them will be included in the voting process.
Where can I find the competition rules?
Detailed competition rules can be found on Composers Summit’s website.
Detailed competition rules can be found on Composers Summit’s website.
When is the competition deadline?
The competition deadline is on January 31st, 2026, 23:59 CET.
The competition deadline is on January 31st, 2026, 23:59 CET.
How do I submit my entry?
Click the link on the website to submit your entry and follow the instructions on how to structure the submission.
Click the link on the website to submit your entry and follow the instructions on how to structure the submission.
How will I know if my submission was successfully received?
You will receive an automatic response generated by Google Forms.
You will receive an automatic response generated by Google Forms.
Is it possible to modify my submission after entering?
Once the submission has been submitted, it is not possible to submit another entry. If you have problems with your submission or you have problems submitting, please contact us at competition@soundsgate.com.
Once the submission has been submitted, it is not possible to submit another entry. If you have problems with your submission or you have problems submitting, please contact us at competition@soundsgate.com.
What indicates that my entry has been evaluated?
All submissions will be evaluated following Terms and Conditions of this competition.
All submissions will be evaluated following Terms and Conditions of this competition.
Is individual feedback available for entries?
No. Individual feedback is not available.
No. Individual feedback is not available.
Can I use my submission in my portfolio?
Feel free to use your competition entry in your portfolio, but you must disclose that it was a competition submission rather than a commissioned piece or official work for the brief provider.
Feel free to use your competition entry in your portfolio, but you must disclose that it was a competition submission rather than a commissioned piece or official work for the brief provider.
Can I make a reference to other scores in my score?
Your Score must be original, not AI generated, free from third-party rights violations, and not subject to claims or disputes following a given brief.
Your Score must be original, not AI generated, free from third-party rights violations, and not subject to claims or disputes following a given brief.
Who owns the copyright of the submitted track?
The author of the submission retains the copyright to their work(s). The organizers may not use the submission without the author’s approval.
The author of the submission retains the copyright to their work(s). The organizers may not use the submission without the author’s approval.
Can I use AI services like Suno to generate the submission?
You may not use AI generation services (e.g., Suno or similar tools) to compose, generate, or create any part of the submission. The creative content must be human-made.
You may not use AI generation services (e.g., Suno or similar tools) to compose, generate, or create any part of the submission. The creative content must be human-made.
How will I know that I won?
The winner will be publicly announced during the opening concert of Composers Summit Prague. All winners will be notified in advance.
The winner will be publicly announced during the opening concert of Composers Summit Prague. All winners will be notified in advance.
What steps should I take to prepare for an opening or showcase concert?
Winners will be notified in advance privately and will receive orchestra setup details for both the showcase concert and/or opening concert to prepare orchestra score and parts. There will be enough time to prepare.
Winners will be notified in advance privately and will receive orchestra setup details for both the showcase concert and/or opening concert to prepare orchestra score and parts. There will be enough time to prepare.
Any Further Questions?
Contact us at competition@soundsgate.com for any additional questions.
Contact us at competition@soundsgate.com for any additional questions.
If you’re interested in competing for a chance to win incredible prizes, including presenting your composition during a live performance alongside Hollywood composers, participating in a showcase attended by industry representatives, and other amazing opportunities, please review the Terms and Conditions outlined below. By entering, you agree to abide by these Terms.
Competition Overview
The Composers Summit Prague 2026 Competition (the “Competition”) and Composers Summit Prague is organized by Soundsgate s.r.o. (“Soundsgate,” “we,” “us,” “our,” “Sponsor”), a company registered in the Czech Republic with its registered office at Salvátorská 931/8, Staré Město, 110 00 Praha 1, and company number 05368235.
To participate, entrants must create an original musical composition (“Score”) based on a provided brief. Music must be submitted via the entry form available on the Competition website: www.composers-summit.com. Entrants must also provide their contact details on the form and agree to the Competition Terms and Conditions. Each participant is allowed only one entry.
Prizes
1st Place Winner
- OSA Cheque of €2000
- Conducting Your Composition on Stage during the Opening Concert alongside Hollywood composers. (Conducting is optional, we can provide a conductor to perform your music).
- Orchestral Tools sample libraries: Metropolis Ark bundle, Low End Orchestra, Korven, Tides, Monolith, Svara. Total value over €3500.
- Performance of Your Composition at the Showcase of Talented Composers, attended by representatives from major industry entities.
- One lesson with one member of Sonic Conductor team (Dave Jordan, DJ Cheapshot, Christopher Lennertz).
2nd Place Winner
- Orchestral Tools sample libraries: Metropolis Ark bundle, Low End Orchestra, Korven, Tides. Total value over €2500.
- Performance of Your Composition at the Showcase of Talented Composers, attended by representatives from major industry entities.
- One lesson with one member of Sonic Conductor team (Dave Jordan, DJ Cheapshot, Christopher Lennertz).
3rd Place Winner
- Orchestral Tools sample libraries: Metropolis Ark bundle, Low End Orchestra. Total value over €2000
- Performance of Your Composition at the Showcase of Talented Composers, attended by representatives from major industry entities.
- One lesson with one member of Sonic Conductor team (Dave Jordan, DJ Cheapshot, Christopher Lennertz).
Community Vote Winner
- Orchestral Tools sample libraries: Metropolis Ark bundle, Low End Orchestra, Tides. Total value over €2500.
- Performance of Your Composition at the Showcase of Talented Composers, attended by representatives from major industry entities.
Key Competition Dates
- End Date: 31st January 2026, 23:59 CET
Note: If the number of submissions is unusually high, the organizer reserves the right to close submissions before the stated deadline. This helps ensure the jury is not overwhelmed and can review all entries fairly. - Winner Announcement: On 23rd April 2026, during the opening concert of Composers Summit Prague 2026. (Winners will be notified in advance privately with orchestra setup for the showcase concert and for the opening concert to prepare orchestra score and parts).
Judging Criteria and Panel
Entries will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Fit with the brief
- Emotional resonance
- Individuality
In the case of a tie, the tied entries will be re-evaluated based entirely on Individuality.
Judging Panel
The judging panel will consist of The Composers Summit Prague Advisory Board and Sonic Conductor representatives.Judging process
All submissions will go through a pre-selection process to filter out submissions which violate these Terms and Conditions or guidelines for submissions format presented in the submission form (e.g. exceeding maximum length specified by a brief, not using required file format, etc).The judging process is split into two rounds.
- All submissions will be split equally among members of the judging panel. Each member selects the best two submissions in his/her selection. This selection proceeds to the second round with selections of other judges.
- Second round is running simultaneously in two branches:
- Judging panel:
- Each member of the judging panel selects top 10 submissions, the best receiving 10 points, the second best 9 points and so on.
- Top three submissions receiving the highest sum of points from all judges wins. The winner is the submission with the highest number of points, 2nd and 3rd place respectively.
- Community vote:
- Accredited attendees can opt in their submission into Community vote in the submission form. Community vote is only available to persons with valid accreditation at the time of the submission deadline.
- An attendee must use the same email address he/she used to buy the accreditation when submitting composition into Community vote.
- All attendees with valid accreditation will receive an email with detailed information on how to vote for the best submission when the first round finishes.
- In case the winner of Community vote is also a winner of either of the three prizes from judges, Community vote wins submission next in line with highest score.
General Rules
- Employees, suppliers, or immediate family members of Soundsgate, a brief provider, or any entities involved in the competition may be only part of Community vote.
- Accreditation is not required for entering the competition. Accreditation is required for Community vote only.
- Score Requirements: Your Score must be original, not AI generated, free from third-party rights violations, and not subject to claims or disputes following a given brief.
- Entrants agree to defend, indemnify, and hold the competition entities harmless against claims arising from any breach of these representations.
- Entrants can submit only one submission.
- If the number of submissions is unusually high, the organizer reserves the right to close submissions before the stated deadline. This helps ensure the jury is not overwhelmed and can review all entries fairly.
Additional Terms
- No Entry Fee: There is no charge to enter the Competition. Participation is completely free, and no purchase is required.
- Promotional Use: Soundsgate and its affiliates may use your name, likeness, and entry for promotional purposes.
- Data Privacy: Personal data will be used in accordance with Soundsgate’s privacy policy and applicable data protection laws.
- This Competition is governed by the laws of the Czech Republic, and any disputes will be resolved exclusively in the courts of the Czech Republic.
- Ownership: The author of the submission retains the copyright to their work(s). The organizers may not use the submission without the author’s approval.
In case of any questions please contact us via competition@soundsgate.com.