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Explore the Score 2026/27

Orchestral Composition Reading & Career-Development Session

The submission deadline is on Monday, October 26, 2026 by midnight (11:59 pm EST) 

The Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO), in collaboration with the Canadian Music Centre (CMC), is pleased to offer an orchestral composition career development session for early-career Canadian composers. The purpose of the session is to offer composers an opportunity to hear their works rehearsed in a professional orchestral setting, while gaining experience working alongside a professional organization. Selected participants will receive feedback from Music Director Gustavo Gimeno, TSO Resident Conductor Nicholas Sharma, TSO Guest Composer Kevin Lau, TSO Composer Advisor Emilie LeBel, TSO Affiliate Composer Liam Ritz, TSO Principal Librarian Michael Macaulay, and TSO musician representatives.

The Orchestral Composition Reading & Career-Development Session will include

  • A Library feedback session for selected composers hosted by Joseph Glaser at the Canadian Music Centre (CMC), Ontario office on Monday, December 14, 2026, from 10:00am to 12:00pm. The session will be led by TSO Principal Librarian Michael Macaulay. Composers will have the option to attend this session virtually but are highly encouraged to attend in person.
  • The Explore the Score reading session with the TSO and Resident Conductor Nicholas Sharma on Saturday, March 27, 2027, at Roy Thomson Hall, from 10:00am to 12:30pm. Each work will receive a reading of approximately 25 minutes. Composers must attend the reading session in person.
  • Feedback session with TSO Guest Composer Kevin Lau, TSO Composer Advisor Emilie LeBel, TSO Affiliate Composer Liam Ritz, TSO Resident Conductor Nicholas Sharma, TSO Music Director Gustavo Gimeno, TSO Artistic staff, and TSO musician representatives directly after the reading session.
  • A complimentary ticket to the TSO Classics concert Beethoven Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2 on the evening of Saturday, March 27, 2027 featuring the premieres of Emilie LeBel’s Cello Concerto and Kevin Lau’s Harp Concerto.
  • An individual follow-up virtual mentorship session for each participant with TSO Affiliate Composer Liam Ritz.
  • Composers will receive a copy of an archival recording of their work for their personal review and/or grant application purposes.

Eligibility

The Toronto Symphony Orchestra is committed to the support and development of orchestral repertoire that reflects the diversity of Canada. We welcome applications from composers bringing a broad range of lived experiences and perspectives and are committed to fostering greater representation of communities that have historically been underrepresented in orchestral music. The application is open to all Canadian composers (citizens, permanent residents), with no age restrictions. 

  • Works must not have been commissioned by a professional orchestra.
  • Works that have already been professionally performed, or that are scheduled for an upcoming performance or another workshop opportunity by a professional orchestra are not eligible.
  • We ask that all applicants disclose other professional orchestral programs in which they have participated, or are scheduled to participate (residencies, fellowships, readings, and so on).
  • Previous participants of TSO Reading Sessions are not eligible.
  • There is no duration limit, though shorter works (under eight minutes) will be given preference. An excerpt or movement from a longer work may also be submitted.
  • The following maximum instrumentation is available at the reading session: 3.3.3.3 – 4.3.3.1 – timp + 2 Perc – Str (12.10.8.6.4). Submitted scores should not exceed this instrumentation. All standard orchestral doubling is available.
  • Works requiring vocals or electronics are not eligible. 
  • Concertos are not eligible.
  • The chosen composers are expected to attend all reading session activities. If a selected composer is unable to attend the reading, another composer’s work will be chosen.
  • NB: The TSO does not provide travel or accommodation costs for composers, however the TSO can supply composers with invitation letters to support applications to travel grants. 

Submission Guidelines

Composers are required to submit materials electronically. Please use the online submission form to provide the following: 

  • Score (PDF) with noted duration and instrumentation
  • Link to streaming audio/video, if available, of the submitted work. MIDI realizations are acceptable.
  • Composer CV (5 pages maximum)
  • Short statements in response to two questions 

Submission Deadline

DEADLINE: Monday, October 26, 2026

The online form will be closed at midnight (11:59 pm EST) 

English Submissions

French Submissions

Selection Process

  • Up to four composers will be selected to participate in the TSO Orchestral Composition Reading & Career Development Session.
  • The scores for the Reading Session will be chosen by a jury consisting of representatives from the TSO, and an external composer.
  • Successful applicants will be notified by Monday, November 16, 2026.

Preparation of Scores and Parts for Orchestral Composition Reading Session

  • Successful applicants will have the opportunity to meet with the TSO Principal Librarian Michael Macaulay and the TSO Affiliate Composer Liam Ritz at the Canadian Music Centre on Monday, December 14, 2026, from 10:00am to 12:00pm.
  • The session will focus on best practices for score and part preparation, reviewing sample materials from participants and offering feedback to support composers in preparing their final score and parts.
  • The successful applicant must be able to deliver parts and large-format conductor scores in PDF format by Monday, January 17, 2027. Parts and score should meet all professional standards as outlined by the TSO Library. 

Important Dates

  • Monday, October 26, 2026: Deadline for submissions
  • Wednesday, December 2, 2026: Preliminary samples of score and parts (PDFs) due with the library
  • Monday, December 14, 2026: Library session at the Canadian Music Centre (CMC)
  • Monday, January 18, 2027: Final score and parts due in the library
  • Saturday, March 27, 2027: Explore the Score Orchestral Reading Session 

Additional Information

The TSO’s and CMC’s social media channels will be used to promote the selected composers. Members of the TSO’s and/or CMC’s marketing team may be at concerts, rehearsals, and in backstage areas photographing (no video or audio recording) and writing accounts of behind-the-scenes activities. Unless notified in writing that an Orchestral Composition Reading Session composer declines participation in the TSO’s social media initiative, the TSO is granted permission to capture their image for distribution on TSO social media channels.

All inquiries should be sent to:

Marlena Pellegrino, New Music Coordinator
mpellegrino@tso.ca