The Mizzou New Music Initiative is excited to announce the 17th Annual Mizzou International Composers Festival, on the campus of the University of Missouri.

Eight composers from around the world will be selected through a portfolio application process to compose a work to be performed by the internationally acclaimed new music ensemble, Alarm Will Sound. Composers will take part in discussions and lessons with Distinguished Guest Composers, take part in workshops with Alarm Will Sound and receive a professional live recording of the premiere performance of their work.

The eight selected resident composers will be expected to compose a work for Alarm Will Sound’s complete instrumentation (see below) lasting up to 8 minutes in duration. Each selected resident composer must submit a finished preliminary score by April 15, 2026 for review by Alarm Will Sound, and professionally-prepared scores and parts of the final work are due by May 15, 2026. Festival tuition, room, and board for each selected composer will be provided through the generous contributions of the Sinquefield Charitable Foundation. Selected composers will need to pay for transportation to and from Columbia, MO.

Festival tuition and lodging for each selected composer will be provided through the generous contributions of the Sinquefield Charitable Foundation. Selected composers will need to pay for meals and transportation to and from Columbia, MO.