The Alea III International Composition Prize was established in 1980 and has also been known under the names of the Politis Composition Prize and the Kucyna International Composition Prize. We are proud to announce that the Greek ministry of culture and Boston University will continue the sponsorship of the Alea III Competition. The purpose of the prize is to promote and encourage the composition of new music. Several works will be chosen for performance.

Alea III, Performing Arts Ensemble in Residence at Boston University, under the direction of Theodore Antoniou, will rehearse and perform the compositions of the finalists. Alea III is well known for its dedication to the presentation of new works and, owing to its flexible instrumentation, in uniquely suited to the performing group for this competition. Among the judges will be Lukas Foss, Leon Kirchner, John Harbison, Gunther Schuller, and others.

One work will be selected for a $2,500 cash award, which will be announced in late September, or early October 2009. (The judges reserve the right to divide the award money or to decline to make any award.) 
 
 

1. Full scores of any style and aesthetic direction may be submitted. Only one composition per composer is permitted.
2. Eligible works may be for solo voice or instrument, or for chamber ensemble of as many as fifteen performers, lasting from six to fifteen minutes. Instrumentation must be from the following: one flute (doubling piccolo or alto), one oboe (doubling English horn), one clarinet (doubling bass clarinet), one bassoon, one horn, one trumpet, one trombone, one tuba, two percussion, one harp, one keyboard, one guitar, strings (two violins, one viola, one cello, one bass), tape, and voice.  One of the fifteen performers could play a traditional, folk, or rare instrument (solo or as a part of the ensemble), or could be an unusual, specialized vocalist.  In such a case, if the piece is chosen for the final round, the composer must provide the performer for the rehearsals and performance in late September or early October 2009 in Boston.  Alea III can not assume any of this particular performer's expenses, regarding travel, accommodation and per diem.
3. All works submitted must be unpublished and must not have been publicly performed or broadcast in whole or in part or in any other version before the announcement of the ALEA III prize in late September  or early October 2009. Works that have won another award are ineligible.
4. The composer's real name must not appear on the score, which should instead be signed with a nom de plume. A sealed envelope containing the completed application form must be attached to each entry.
5. Any jointly written work must be considered one entry. If such a work wins the competition, the cash will be divided equally.
6. Entries must be delivered in person or by mail.
7. Alea III would like to retain in its library all scores submitted for the competition for future performances. However, those composers who wish to have their scores returned should send sufficient stamps or international postal coupons and an envelope suitable for registered mail.
8. All applicants must certify on their entry form that the work submitted is, to the best of their knowledge, an original work. Further, the composer must certify that the work is unpublished, and that it has not been broadcast in whole or in part or in any other version prior to the announcement of the ALEA III prize in late September or early October 2008.
9. All entries must arrive after October 15, 2008 but no later than March 15, 2009 (regardless of when they are postmarked).
10. All works not meeting these requirements will be rejected by the prize administrators without recourse.
11. The decision of the judges will be final. Only finalists will be notified. The judges reserve the right to divide the award money or to decline to make an award.